Maximizing vs Satisficing: Finding Good Enough

Herb Simon, a psychologist economist, introduced the concept of maximizing and satisficing. Maximizing means looking for the best option while satisficing means settling for good enough. Simon argued that humans don't have the cognitive resources to always maximize. In a world with endless choices, constantly seeking the best can be overwhelming and lead to dissatisfaction. Instead, Simon suggested that it's more realistic to look for good enough and be open to discovering better options accidentally. Research shows that maximizers tend to achieve more but feel less satisfied with their choices and the decision-making process. Their standards keep rising, leading to constant dissatisfaction.

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