Paradox of Choice

 Paradox of Choice

        It is a matter of fact that on the outset it appears that more choices given, the better it is! It is a realistic approach having a choice in a given situation is far better than no choice option. But then how many choices can be holistic approach not to be diverted or hijacked from the main motive. It can be very distractible to be flooded with choices and at times it can be a reason of unnecessary drainage of energy.

            For instance given a choice to select a program from multiple option of channels to switch, very likely there can be confusion or lack of clarity to choose amongst a variety more than to handle. It means choice is good but the range of choice should be reasonable enjoyable rather than chaotic. The other way to look at a situation with multiple choice options is that there can be always a reason to sulk that may be the other option would have worked better and there is a regret mode later. Not necessarily it is like this for everyone, but the degree of too many options can be harmful for some. Suppose a person is freelancer in his profession and this gives him ample opportunities of his wish to manifest the way he wants in case of self employment. The freedom of choice can gear up his productivity to some extent. But if he is not careful enough or watchful then he may end up procrastinating things in absence of any outside pressure of time bound tasks. It can damage his work drive and land him to junk of troubles. On the other hand if we take the case of an employed person, he has hardly any choice but to follow his boss's instructions or the call of his duty as an employee. This saves him from the useless drill of deciding what to do when to do how to do to some extent. It is obviously a liberty to enjoy having the command in hand rather being dictated but for certain tasks- decision making can be ambiguous. Specially for menial work or clerical work there hardly is any scope to decide, being very basic and of repetitive nature. 

            Coming back to the utility of choice options, if we go deeper we realize the chances of feeling satisfied with limited option is far greater than in case of multiple choices. Another example of having a menu of wide range of  food items can be too confusing and it can be a difficult choice not sure of its optimum experience of tasteful satisfaction. Same can be said about watching a movie with multiple options to switch to watch another movie at the same time or option to switch to another activity or entertaining option like playing game or eating or gossiping. It is more relevant in case of unsettled child hankering for one thing and before starting to enjoy one it gets bored very easily and hops on to the next option again to be diverted and feeling agitated every moment it gets that feel of abundance . In a way spoiling brat can be the end result of such situation of abundant choices. 

                           In a compelling situation, at times we curse for not being given a chance to be left with any option to choose. But on a deeper level it is a blessing if we consider that having tough situations in life is a way to bring in your best and prove your mettle. Had it been that you got the option to get away from difficult situations rather than facing it, you would have never get to know and discover the strength in one's ability to combat and win. That way no choice option helps us to surrender and do whatever best we can. Of course still there is a choice to approach a particular situation however difficult it may be the way we muster courage to let the greatest and finest qualities in us to flourish.

                I would conclude with the learning that choice is liberating for anyone to feel empowered but along with the responsibility of not being swayed away by pool of choices, without loosing clarity and distraction for more and better.