Do you ever feel like sometimes there are so many choices to make that you get overwhelmed?
Often I feel like I am trying to juggle all the technology advances, making sure they are making my life more comfortable and efficient so it is worth the time and energy to learn the new technology. I hesitated for a long time to get a new computer and upgrade to office 2007. The verdict is still out as to whether it was a good choice or not. Don’t get me wrong. The computer runs a lot faster which was definitely worth it, but using office 2007, which I get from saveonit.com, is totally different than 2003. So many times I will be doing something in Microsoft word and it takes me forever (well it feels like forever to me!) to figure out something very simple like how to undo something.
There is a fine balance, because we all need to stay above the curve but how much is enough?
In my opinion I feel that in today’s world there are too many choices. You walk into a grocery store to buy shampoo and there are over 100 varieties of shampoo. It is the same with social activities, today it seems there are too many things to do. We live in a culture where we where a badge of honor when we are always busy all of the time. Our week nights and weekends are always packed with activities. To the point some nights I don’t even know what I want to do because there are too many choices.
What can you do to manage the overwhelm that comes with too many choices?
1) Don’t multitask all the time
Take time to unplug (turn off the cell phone, i pod, internet, radio and TV) and focus on one task at a time or just do nothing. When your neurons in the brain are overstimulated, brain cells die.
2) Don’t force yourself to make a decision, especially if you are feeling pressure from someone
If you are unsure of something, give yourself at least 24 hours to think it through. Whether it be buying something (prevents impulse buying), or signing a contract or agreement.
3) Only going shopping for the necessities
I know shopping is America’s past time, but unless you need to buy something specific I would avoid the mall all together. Take that time to get outside, go for a walk, read a good book or learn a new activity.
4) Clean out the clutter in your house
Take the time to go through your home, sell, donate or recycle anything that you don’t use. This is something that will take time since we have spent years accumulating stuff. Start with your bedroom, clean out your closet, your dresser drawers, under the bed etc. then slowly start moving around the house. You will be amazed by how much stuff you have but don’t use.
5) Stop watching commercials
If you are watching TV, mute commercials when they come on, better yet just stop watching TV. Rent the movies and shows that you like, or watch them on the internet.
One of the key ingredients of not overwhelming yourself with the over abundance of choices, is to not fall into the habits of consuming more. Remember everything you own requires maintainence and time. So unless you will be using something all the time, it is often better to rent or borrow rather than own. There is generally less hassle and you don’t need to worry about where to store more stuff.
A great read is the Paradox of Choice, by Barry Schwartz.
