I’m in Canada and we have two competing sub sandwich chains. Mr Sub and Subway. I used to work with a guy who hated Subway because it was all about choice and customization. Whereas Mr Sub focused on pre-determined sandwiches. Very little customization. It took me awhile to realize why he preferred less choice over more choice, but I get it now.
I’ve noticed this when it comes to careers. When I was younger, I pursued a career as a concert violinist with intensity. It’s a tough career to make a living at, and although I succeeded to a degree (played for a smaller regional orchestra) I didn’t make it to the big orchestras I dreamed of.
Ever since then, the choice of “what should I do for a career” has plagued me…too many choices and options. It’s exhausting. At some level one just has to pick and stick.
This just comes at the right time where I’m confused about the options available right now. I’m in the middle of making a pivot and the next business opportunity but I just need to eliminate those options until I find the right one.
What a beautiful leadership lesson. Saying No is a skill that, when used well, gives clear direction, focus and productivity. With a lot of peace. Well said Justin.
I just went through the ordeal of buying a new (to me) car. It helped that I knew exactly what I wanted (year, color, make, all of it). Even with that narrow window, it still took longer than I would’ve liked. I can’t imagine going out and looking with no real parameters.
I just went through the same thing buying a new car. Too many options. Simplicity wins. Avoid buying a car that’s in its first year redesign due to lemon risk! Good luck.
Warren Buffet has been quoted as saying, "The difference between successful and very successful people is that very successful people say no, to almost everything." I agree with him and your contention that we need to simplify our lives. Respectfully, though, I am not sure I agree with your contention we have too much choice. (I do not disagree, however, that when we have lots of choices it can become more difficult to sort through them.). When we have only one option we are, in a word, a "robot". When we have two options, we have a dilemma. (These are both problematic.) To have true choice, we need at least three options. The philospher, Gregory Bateson said, "Without the possibility of a third option, there is no freedom." So, while having too many options can be problematic, so can too few. It seems to me, regardless of how many options we have, the real problem here, whether it be car shopping, Netflix or anything in between is a lack of criteria for sorting through them. Simply saying "no" to everything without considering the merits may make our lives easier in the short term, but I'm not sure that is a good long term strategy. Warren may be saying no to almost everything, but I bet he also has criteria for evaluating what is being presented to him in the way of options.
I really resonated with this. Having many options is certainly a privilege, but I’ve also found it can become overwhelming. In my own experience, trying to pursue too many things at once left me mentally exhausted rather than fulfilled. Over time, I’ve shifted my focus toward doing one thing at a time with more presence and depth. It feels less about chasing the “best” option and more about creating clarity and peace of mind.
The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz was a game changing book for me.
Never heard of it. Will take a look! I always just think of diner menus and remember how much I hate multiple choices.
I’m in Canada and we have two competing sub sandwich chains. Mr Sub and Subway. I used to work with a guy who hated Subway because it was all about choice and customization. Whereas Mr Sub focused on pre-determined sandwiches. Very little customization. It took me awhile to realize why he preferred less choice over more choice, but I get it now.
The best diners are usually the ones with a one-sided, laminated sheet for a menu.
I’ve noticed this when it comes to careers. When I was younger, I pursued a career as a concert violinist with intensity. It’s a tough career to make a living at, and although I succeeded to a degree (played for a smaller regional orchestra) I didn’t make it to the big orchestras I dreamed of.
Ever since then, the choice of “what should I do for a career” has plagued me…too many choices and options. It’s exhausting. At some level one just has to pick and stick.
This hits me with where to live. With so many options and complete freedom, where do you choose?
Right on!!
This just comes at the right time where I’m confused about the options available right now. I’m in the middle of making a pivot and the next business opportunity but I just need to eliminate those options until I find the right one.
What a beautiful leadership lesson. Saying No is a skill that, when used well, gives clear direction, focus and productivity. With a lot of peace. Well said Justin.
I keep going from one thing to another. So hard to focus sometimes.
I just went through the ordeal of buying a new (to me) car. It helped that I knew exactly what I wanted (year, color, make, all of it). Even with that narrow window, it still took longer than I would’ve liked. I can’t imagine going out and looking with no real parameters.
The Paradox of Choice.
We want some, but too many leaves us feeling overwhelmed (enter your automotive adventure :-)).
Preach brother.
less is always more.
I just went through the same thing buying a new car. Too many options. Simplicity wins. Avoid buying a car that’s in its first year redesign due to lemon risk! Good luck.
Thanks :)
So true! A confused mind does nothing.
It really doesn’t. Nice to see you here, Cynthia. Hope you’re well.
Loved thissss
The more options we have to pick between the less satisfied we are with our decisions.
Classic Book about this is called
MARGIN by Richard Swenson
Warren Buffet has been quoted as saying, "The difference between successful and very successful people is that very successful people say no, to almost everything." I agree with him and your contention that we need to simplify our lives. Respectfully, though, I am not sure I agree with your contention we have too much choice. (I do not disagree, however, that when we have lots of choices it can become more difficult to sort through them.). When we have only one option we are, in a word, a "robot". When we have two options, we have a dilemma. (These are both problematic.) To have true choice, we need at least three options. The philospher, Gregory Bateson said, "Without the possibility of a third option, there is no freedom." So, while having too many options can be problematic, so can too few. It seems to me, regardless of how many options we have, the real problem here, whether it be car shopping, Netflix or anything in between is a lack of criteria for sorting through them. Simply saying "no" to everything without considering the merits may make our lives easier in the short term, but I'm not sure that is a good long term strategy. Warren may be saying no to almost everything, but I bet he also has criteria for evaluating what is being presented to him in the way of options.
I really resonated with this. Having many options is certainly a privilege, but I’ve also found it can become overwhelming. In my own experience, trying to pursue too many things at once left me mentally exhausted rather than fulfilled. Over time, I’ve shifted my focus toward doing one thing at a time with more presence and depth. It feels less about chasing the “best” option and more about creating clarity and peace of mind.