ReThinking Why aiming for the best isn't always good for you (w/ Barry Schwartz and Coco Krumme)
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Nov 7, 2023 
Barry Schwartz, a psychologist and author of "The Paradox of Choice," teams up with Coco Krumme, an applied mathematician and author of "Optimal Illusions." Together, they delve into the pitfalls of perfectionism and the downsides of relentless optimization. They discuss how aiming for the best can diminish personal satisfaction and well-being. The conversation provides insights on the importance of balancing high standards with accepting good enough, encouraging listeners to reconsider their approach to choices in life, work, and relationships.
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The Maximizer's Struggle
- Barry Schwartz's relative struggles with maximizing, making decisions torturous.
- This personal connection sparked his research into the downsides of always seeking the best.
Hidden Costs of Optimization
- Optimizing often overlooks unquantifiable effects.
- This creates damage outside the optimization frame, like harming communities.
Maximizing vs. Satisficing
- Maximizers achieve better objective outcomes but experience worse subjective well-being.
- They tend to have higher standards and wider search patterns.
