"I've spent years wondering why some of the smartest people I know struggle with the simplest choices. The ones who can analyze market trends or write groundbreaking research papers but somehow can't decide whether to wear the blue shirt or the gray one. It turns out there's fascinating psychology behind this paradox, and understanding it might just save you from your next coffee shop meltdown."
"When you have a brain that naturally sees twelve angles to every situation, choosing becomes exhausting. I learned this the hard way when my tendency to research everything turned into procrastination disguised as preparation. I'd spend three hours comparing reviews for a $15 purchase, creating spreadsheets for decisions that honestly didn't deserve them. Andre Spicer, a Professor of Organizational Behavior, puts it perfectly: "Being smart can come at a cost. Asking tricky questions... takes time. It's also unpleasant.""
Highly analytical minds evaluate many angles and build detailed mental models for even mundane choices, turning simple decisions into complex problems. Extensive pre-purchase research and elaborate comparisons can masquerade as preparation while actually becoming procrastination. Generating combinations, modifications, and potential regrets multiplies the number of choices and accelerates decision fatigue. Constantly modeling outcomes consumes cognitive resources and reduces capacity for more consequential thinking. Practical examples include over-engineering parking spot decisions and spending hours on small purchases. Streamlining decision processes preserves mental energy for high-value tasks and reduces unnecessary stress.
Read at Silicon Canals
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