It seems to be the case that in today’s world things are more complex than ever. There are more activities to engage in than ever before. There is access to a plethora of communication methods and the ability to talk to virtually anyone at any given moment. It often seems that the options are limitless. In a world full of options, choosing often becomes the most difficult task. Best-selling writer and entrepreneur Rolf Dobelli explains this exact phenomenon in his book The Art of Thinking Clearly. Dobelli shares the fact that his local grocery store carries 134 different types of wine. He then explains that despite the fact of overabundance in our society that “selection is the yard stick of progress. It is what sets us apart from planned economies and the stone age.” There is beauty in the ability to choose. As well as a dark side. Dobelli further explains “When it is exceeded, a surfeit of choices destroys quality of life. The technical term for this is the Paradox of Choice.”

The danger of indecision is best illustrated with a story. There was once a donkey who was deprived of food and water. One day he is given his favorite food, as well as some water. He was of course thirsty but just as much hungry. The donkey considered his options meticulously. He considered and changed his mind about the best course of action. All of the sudden the Donkey dropped dead. Some would say the donkey died from dehydration or starvation, or perhaps both. But how could this be if the donkey died with both food and water right Infront of him. Indecision was the culprit in this case. This is not to say that being indecisive will kill you. But are you really living if you do not choose a path. Aristotle says “if a man knows not which port he sails, then no wind is favorable.” This means that if you are not willfully choosing the things you want and the direction you want to go. Then, you are guided solely by emotion, impulse, and influence. One of my favorite artists, Bright Eyes, says “if time is the driver then tell me who is going to steer.” No matter what you do, time rolls on. If you are not in control of your fate, then fate is in control of you.

It’s impossible to know which bottle of wine is best. Just as impossible to try every bottle of wine that exists. It is impossible to know the consequences of quitting the job you hate or trying that new activity you have always wanted to try. This is why knowing what it is you value and what you’re looking for not only in the grocery store, but in life as well is paramount to well-being. Don’t get caught up thinking about the best. What the hell does that even mean? Alex Hormozi, entrepreneur and author says “Most people think they need perfect conditions in order to start. When in reality, starting is a perfect condition.” Rather than trying to make the best decision, strive to make quick and decisive choices you can live with. Then work diligently to make those decisions fit your life optimally. Perfectionism is attractive and addictive, but it is destructive to progress. One of the most profound habits you can develop is the ability to adapt. The feeling of being constrained by the infinite choices in the world is miserable. Feeling afraid of making the wrong decision is equally so. The development of confidence in your ability to not only adjust to any consequences of your decisions, but to ameliorate them is a level of freedom that is like no other. Be decisive, adaptive, and make the most of your choices.