The Limitations of Maximizing and Optimizing

Barry Schwartz and Coco Crump, experts in psychology and mathematics respectively, challenge the cultural obsession with efficiency and optimization. They argue that constantly striving for the best can lead to dissatisfaction and anxiety. They advocate for embracing the concept of 'good enough' and finding success without sacrificing happiness. Research shows that maximizers, who obsess over finding the best option, often feel worse about their decisions and experience higher levels of stress and depression. Satisficers, on the other hand, who aim for good enough, tend to be more content with their choices.