Paralysis by Analysis

So, last Monday when Sally and I roamed Fred Meyer’s doing our usual weekly shopping I stopped by the toothbrush isle to select a new brush. Seconds turned into minutes and a growing frustration was overwhelming me…

REALLY? Do we need this many %&@!$ toothbrush choices?

Toothbrush Choice-o-Rama

Okay maybe we do. We are human. Choice is good isn’t it? Freedom of choice is at the center of Western Cultural ideals. The more choice the better, right? Right?

So we eventually pick up two cheap Kroger brand softies and head over to the next aisle to pickup some cat litter for Pritten. Yes, that is the consolidated name, (Pretty + Kitten) of our cat, but I digress. At that moment I realize I have crossed the line to absurd. Not only are there multiple brands, but each brand has multiple products. Our brand by default is Tidy Cats. Never really knew that until I decided to post an article about this. Most of the time I just walk by the aisle and try to remember which color we chose last time.

However, after the toothbrush incident, I just stood there and looked seriously at the labels. None of which really meant anything. Lets see, do I want…

• Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance
• Tidy Cats Instant Action
• Tidy Cats Premium Breathe Easy
• Tidy Cats Premium Power Blend
• Tidy Cats Premium Small Spaces

Cat Litter Choice-o-Plenty

Ugh. This is for a friggin cat! Can’t there just be one box that is a power blend, instant action, 24/7 performance, that is easy to breathe in small spaces?!

All of the grocery choices has got me thinking about everyday choice and how I find myself paralyzed so often whether it’s at Amazon.com comparing Canon video cameras to in the evenings when asked what should we have for dinner tonight.

The Paradox of Choice

So I Googled a few terms related to “Choice” and came up with an interesting “TED” talk video which actually pounces on this idea of Choice, and maybe too much of it is not a good thing. It’s entitled “The Paradox of Choice”.

Since choice is so deeply rooted in Western Culture and beyond obvious, Barry Schwartz begins by stating this discussion in NOT about the benefits of choice. He wants to spend the quick, 19 minutes, 40 seconds sharing how he believes TOO many choices can be detrimental.

Barry fleshes out several points on “Why Choice Makes People Miserable”

• Regret and anticipated regret
• Opportunity costs
• Escalation of expectations
• Self-blame

He also throws in my personal favorite, paralysis by too many choices. Make the time to view this little nugget, and if you have any insights we would love to hear what you think of it.