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Imagine walking into a grocery store and being hit with 50 types of pasta sauce.

Sounds awesome, right?

Wrong.

In the year 2000, a mind-blowing experiment at a local market revealed something shocking.

When a jam stand offered 6 types of jam, 30% of shoppers made a purchase.

But when the same stand displayed 24 types of jam, only 3% of people bought anything.

Wait, what?

• More choices should mean more happiness.

• More options should make decision-making easier.

But here's the brutal truth: choice is a double-edged sword that can slice right through your satisfaction.

This isn't just about jam.

This is about every single decision you make – from

• Who you date to

• What you watch on Netflix

• What career path you are on

• What you eat for dinner.

The more options you have, the more likely you are to feel paralyzed, second-guess yourself, and ultimately be less satisfied with whatever you choose.

Here's the crazy part: choice paralysis isn't just in your head.

It's a real psychological phenomenon that impacts every area of your life.

When you're faced with too many options, your brain goes into overdrive.

Instead of feeling excited about possibilities, you start feeling overwhelmed.

Each additional choice doesn't expand your freedom – it shrinks your ability to make a confident decision.

Think about dating apps.

Hundreds of potential matches at your fingertips.

Sounds great, right?

But how many people do you know who are actually happier because of this?

Most are stuck in an endless cycle of swiping, always wondering if the next profile might be slightly better.

The same happens with careers, consumer choices, and even what to watch tonight.

More options don't create happiness – they create anxiety.

But here's the good news: you can break free from choice paralysis.

Here's how to take back control and start making decisions you actually feel good about:

1. Limit Your Options Like a Pro

The jam experiment proves it: fewer choices lead to better decisions.

When possible, deliberately reduce your options.

Instead of scrolling through 50 Netflix shows, pick from 3-4 recommendations.

2. Establish Your Personal Decision Criteria

Before diving into any decision, get crystal clear on what matters most to you.

Want a job?

Define your top 3-4 non-negotiables.

Dating?

Know your core values.

This creates an instant filter for your choices.

3. Embrace 'Satisficing' Over 'Maximizing'

Stop trying to find the absolute perfect choice.

Instead, look for options that are "good enough" and meet your core needs.

Perfect is the enemy of done – and happiness.

4. Set Ruthless Time Limits

Give yourself a specific window to make decisions.

• Dating profile? 10 minutes.

• Job application? One evening.

This prevents the endless loop of overthinking.

5. Prioritize What Actually Matters

Not all decisions are created equal.

Spend more energy on big life choices, and create shortcuts for daily decisions.

Create a capsule wardrobe. Meal prep. Automate the small stuff.

6. Learn to Delegate Decisions

You don't need to be the CEO of every single choice in your life.

Trust others. Use systems. Create defaults that work for you.

7. Accept and Move On

Here's the ultimate secret: once you make a decision, commit to it.

Stop wondering "what if."

The energy you waste second-guessing could be used to make your current choice awesome.

Last Word 👋

Choice isn't about having every possible option. It's about having the right options and the confidence to choose.

Your move.

I love hearing from readers and I'm always looking for your feedback.

How I'm doing with the Elevated Path. Is there anything you want to see more of or less?

Which aspects of the Newsletter do you like the most?

Hit reply, say hello, and let me know what you think of The Jam Jar Experiment.

I'd love to chat with you !

All my best,

~ Elevated Path