The pursuit of the perfect choice can quietly undermine well-being.

People who settle for “good enough” often report higher satisfaction in the long run.

The smarter and more thorough someone becomes in evaluating choices, the harder those choices can feel.

In a world overflowing with options, from careers and investments to streaming choices and dating apps, making decisions should theoretically be easier than ever. More information and more choices ought to help us pick better outcomes. Yet psychology suggests the opposite often proves to be true, especially for smart people, with their highly analytical disposition.

A landmark study by Barry Schwartz and colleagues found that people who strive to make the best possible choice, known as maximizers, often experience greater decisional paralysis and regret, and lower life satisfaction compared to those who settle for an option that is simply “good enough,” known as satisficers.

The research, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, showed that maximizers tend to be less satisfied with their decisions and report lower levels of happiness, optimism, and self-esteem. In other words, the pursuit of the perfect choice can quietly undermine well-being.

Here are three psychology-backed reasons why highly intelligent or analytical people often struggle the most when it comes to making decisions.

1. Smart People Fall Into the "Maximizer Trap"

Smart people tend to set high standards for themselves. While this trait can drive success, it also increases the likelihood of becoming a maximizer, someone who feels compelled to find the absolute best option before committing.

The 2002 study by Schwartz and colleagues introduced the concept of maximizing versus satisficing. The researchers found that individuals who........

© Psychology Today