Be a Satisficer

You’re at a restaurant for dinner. You order a salad, and you’re asked what dressing you want. You ask what the options are.  Ranch, Thousand Island, Italian, French, Bleu Cheese, Raspberry Vinaigrette, Caesar, Cilantro Lime, Sesame Ginger, Honey Mustard, Mango, Catalina, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Vidalia Onion, Avocado Lime, Pomegranate Vinaigrette . . .  Are you happy that you have so many choices? What if they only had three choices? Ranch, Blue Cheese, and French. Do you feel less happy? How do you choose?  

In his book, The Paradox of Choice, Barry Schwartz claims that having more choices actually causes more stress, making it more difficult to choose. The more options we have, the more likely we are to make a mistake. And after we finally do choose, the possibility of other choices results in less happiness. An interesting paradox. 

Also, in this book, Schwartz puts people into two categories—Maximizers and Satisficers. Maximizers want to make the optimal decision. So if they see a pair of gloves or a used car that would seem to meet their requirements, they can’t make a decision until they have explored all of the options. Satisficers make a decision once their criteria are met. As soon as they find the flight, or the toothbrush, or the salad dressing that meets their needs, they’re satisfied.

Suppose that you’re shopping for a shirt. If you’re a Maximizer you’ll want to make the absolute best purchase possible. So you’ll go to several stores, examine the fit, style, color, and fabric of several options, always aware of the prices of these options.  

If you’re a Satisficer, you’ll go to one or two stores, look at the options, and pick one. And as long as it fits, looks relatively nice, and the price is reasonable, you’ll buy it.  

Who do you think is happier, the Maximizer, or the Satisficer? You might think the Maximizer is because he has put more effort into his choice. But research conducted by Schwartz and his colleagues show that Satisficers, as a group, are happier.  

As a perfectionist, I’m more inclined toward being a Maximizer. Because there are infinite possibilities out there, and only the best will do, I’m required to spend a lot of time on product comparison, both before and after I make a purchasing decision. In a world of endless choices, it’s arduous and emotionally exhausting to be a Maximizer, never settling for less. 

Knowing this about myself, I can make conscious efforts to allow myself to be satisfied when things are good enough. I can practice this when choosing what to eat for breakfast, what movie to watch, or any number of other decisions I face. Being satisfied with my choice gives me more time and energy to devote to enjoying life.

To be continued . . . with Part 67