The paradox of choice

The belief that 'the more choices, the better' is a common bias that assumes that more alternatives always lead to better decisions and greater satisfaction.

However, psychological reality is more complex, and an excess of choices can lead to what is known as the "paradox of choice" or paralysis by analysis.

The Search for Security in Multiplicity

This bias manifests itself when, faced with an important decision - such as buying a house, an electronic device, or even a career choice or job search - we believe that exhaustively weighing all possibilities will provide us with greater security. We think we will avoid missing out on "something better".

For example, when looking for a job, instead of focusing on an area where you are the best fit or that generates the most satisfaction, you may be tempted to explore multiple sectors "just in case".

The fear is that focusing on a single option will limit the possibilities or that the market will be too competitive.

The Hidden Costs of Too Many Options

The problem is that every decision involves a cost, often invisible, which is that of giving up the other alternatives.

When the range of possibilities is too wide, instead of facilitating the choice, it can generate:

• Paralysis by analysis: La dificultad para comparar y evaluar un gran número de opciones puede llevar a la inacción o a posponer la decisión indefinidamente.

• Greater cognitive effort: El proceso de deliberación se vuelve mentalmente agotador.

• Less satisfaction with the choice: Una vez tomada una decisión, es más fácil dudar, arrepentirse o imaginar que otra opción podría haber sido superior.

• Increased expectations: Con tantas alternativas, se espera encontrar la opción "perfecta", lo que incrementa la probabilidad de sentirse decepcionado con la elección final.

Fear of Specialization

At the professional level, the fear of specializing too much, thinking that market opportunities will be reduced, can lead to opening excessively the range of services or approaches.

This can result in a dispersion of e