How to Make Good Enough Decisions and Beat Choice Overload

That feeling of relief when you finally decide! If you've ever felt paralysed by too many options, you're not alone. Decision fatigue is the mental exhaustion that sets in when every choice becomes a research project. The good news? There's a simple four-step method that takes you from overwhelming choice overload to calm confidence. It's called satisficing, and it frees your mind for what really matters.

Feeling Overwhelmed

Endless options feel empowering until they don't. When you're faced with thirty brands of the same product, or countless ways to organise your day, your brain stalls. Research shows that too many choices actually paralyse us rather than liberate us. You might find yourself stuck in analysis mode, comparing features you don't really need, reading reviews until your eyes glaze over, or simply giving up altogether.

This isn't weakness—it's your brain encountering what experts call 'decision overload'. Think of it as your mind facing an all-you-can-eat menu and forgetting what it was hungry for in the first place. The mental energy you spend wrestling with minor decisions drains the attention you need for bigger, more meaningful choices.

Set Simple Rules

Here's where the magic happens. Instead of trying to find the 'perfect' option, set your must-haves upfront. For example, you might decide on three non-negotiables:

• Budget (e.g., under £30)
• Delivery time (e.g., arrives within three days)
• One key feature (e.g., adjustable or rechargeable)

Write these down. These become your decision filters—your personal rules for what 'good enough' looks like. This approach, known as satisficing, means you're choosing what meets your needs rather than endlessly searching for perfection. It keeps your attention fresh for the things that genuinely matter.

Find the First Match

Now comes the liberating part. Look at just three options—not thirty. Give yourself a decision window, say ten minutes, to prevent spiraling into overthinking. As you review each option, ask yourself: 'Which choice is most likely to give me what I need?' rather than 'What's the absolute best?'

When you find the first option that ticks all your must-have boxes, stop. That's your answer. No need to keep searching 'just in case'. The green checkmarks are there—you've found your match.

Decide and Move On

Make your choice and release it. You'll make more decisions with less stress and fewer regrets. Paradoxically, settling for 'good enough' actually frees you to do your best work because your mind isn't stuck in choice traffic anymore.

The background clears. Your mental clutter dissolves. You can focus on the work, relationships, and projects that truly deserve your attention. By keeping decision complexity at a level your brain can handle, you're not just making better choices—you're protecting your cognitive energy for the challenges that really count.

When you need extra support to maintain that mental clarity and focus, Brainzyme's scientifically proven plant-powered focus supplements can help. Discover how they work to support your sharpest thinking. Visit www.brainzyme.com