Stop Hunting for the Perfect Choice, Pick Something Good Enough – Then Get on with your life

Stop Hunting for the Perfect Choice, Pick Something Good Enough – Then Get on with your life!

In the New York Times essay, David Epstein explores the idea that the pursuit of making the “best” decision may undermine happiness. Drawing on the work of Nobel Prize-winning psychologist and economist Herbert Simon, he argues that people often fall into the trap of “maximizing”, endlessly searching for the optimal choice among countless alternatives. While this seems rational, it overlooks the hidden costs of time,
effort, and mental energy involved in constant comparison.

Simon proposed an alternative approach called “satisficing,” a combination of “satisfy” and “suffice.” Instead of seeking the perfect option, satisficers choose an option that meets their needs and moves forward. Simon practiced this philosophy in his own life by simplifying everyday decisions, such as wearing the same style of clothing and
maintaining consistent routines. This allowed him to focus his attention on more meaningful pursuits.

The article highlights research showing that maximizers tend to experience lower satisfaction, greater regret, and more frequent social comparison than satisficers. By contrast, people who accept “good enough” choices are generally happier because they are less preoccupied with alternatives they did not choose. Psychologist Mihaly
Csikszentmihalyi similarly noted that committing to a decision frees energy for living rather than endlessly evaluating possibilities.

Epstein argues that this lesson is especially relevant today, when modern consumers face an overwhelming number of choices. Social media, dating apps, and even artificial intelligence encourage constant comparison and optimization, making it difficult to feel content. The author concludes that happiness often comes not from finding the perfect option but from setting reasonable standards, making a choice, and investing fully in it.
By embracing “good enough,” people can conserve their mental resources and focus on what truly matters in life.

Ref: Epstein, D. (2026, May 12). The Nobel-winning psychologist who believed he found the
secret to happiness. The New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/12/opinion/decision-making-herbert-simon.html