In a world filled with endless choices, we often believe that the more we search, compare and analyse, the better our decisions will be. But according to psychologist and Nobel laureate
Herbert Simon, constantly looking for the “best” option may actually make us less happy.
Simon introduced the idea of “satisficing”—a combination of satisfy and suffice. Instead of exhausting ourselves trying to find the perfect choice, we consider a reasonable number of options, choose one that is good enough for us, and move on.
Simon practised what he preached. He simplified many everyday decisions, from wearing the same type of socks to eating the same breakfast. By removing unnecessary choices, he freed his attention for the people and work that mattered more.
Research supports this approach. People who constantly try to maximise their choices tend to experience more regret, comparison and dissatisfaction. Satisficers, on the other hand, can feel more content because they are not haunted by the possibilities they left behind.
Today, social media, dating apps and even artificial intelligence can make maximising even harder to escape. There is always another option, another comparison and the feeling that something better might be just one click away.
Perhaps the lesson is simple: “good enough” is not settling. It can be a conscious choice to stop searching and start living.
Choose what works for you. Then save your energy for the things that truly matter.
Reference : https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/12/opinion/decision-making-herbert-simon.html