Why you shouldn't strive for the ideal

Maximizers and Moderates

Barry Schwartz, in his book, explores how the modern culture of abundance actually robs us of feelings of contentment. It seems to us that we will become happier with more options, but the effect is often the opposite. Especially for perfectionists.

Schwartz identifies two types of people: maximizers and moderates. This is how he describes the differences between the two.

Choosing wisely begins with developing a clear understanding of your goals. And the very first choice we have to make is between the goal of choosing the best and the goal of choosing what is good enough. If you are looking for only the best and don't agree on anything else, then you are a maximizer.

Barry Schwartz

In other words, maximizers are perfectionists.

“The alternative to maximizing is to be moderate. Exercising moderate behavior means choosing what is good enough and not worrying about the possibility of something better,”Schwartz writes in his book.

This does not mean that moderates do not have their own rules of choice. They are, and they are very clear. It's just that moderates know how to be content with good, and maximizers are always in search of the ideal.

Interestingly, this whole pursuit of the ideal leads to the fact that maximizers feel less joy from their choice. They constantly think that there is something even better.

How to overcome the maximizer in yourself

Faced with the need to make any decision, the maximizer begins to seek information, compare and analyze. But you know what? No matter how much time you spend trying to find the ideal, your expectations are likely to fall short. Because there is no perfect choice.

Instead, try sticking to a simple plan if you're considering a purchase, for example:

Decide how much you are willing to spend.
Stop at one store and choose only from the range presented in it.
Pick a few brands you trust for quality.
Limit yourself in time. Instead of thinking about all the options for several days, set aside a couple of hours.

Ideal and procrastination

Perfectionism has its drawbacks. Research has confirmed that perfectionists are more vulnerable, both physically and mentally, than those who do not pursue an ideal.

In addition, the search for the ideal often leads to procrastination. It doesn't matter what you want to do - build up a reserve capital, get out of debt, open your own retirement account - there are always many reasons to put it off. Although in all such cases, the best option is to start right now.

It's okay that you haven't found a deposit with the ideal interest rate or the best mutual fund, no. Did you find some good ones? So pick one. You just need to start. This is one of the main rules of success. And you can always improve something later.

By trying to make the best choice, you end up doing nothing and possibly undermining your own future. That is why the best is the enemy of the good.

conclusions

Train yourself to be moderate. When making a decision, ask yourself what happens if you settle for good instead of ideal.
Start with the good and then gradually work towards the best. Make the ideal a long-term project for you.
Don't dwell on the past. If you are wrong, try to learn from this lesson and move on.

It's okay to seek perfection. It is quite natural to wish the best for yourself and your loved ones. You just need to remember that often the pursuit of the ideal can become an obstacle on the way to the life we strive for.