The art of choosing | January 10
The art of choosing
Choosing. Choosity-choose-choose-choices. I’ve been thinking a lot about making choices — about choosing. Not so much about specific choices as about the process. Why do we see some decisions as difficult or simple? What influences how a decision is made? Who influences the decisions we make and why? What part of choosing is cultural? Why is this or that part automatic? When does making a choice become uncomfortable and why?
And especially, can I modify the process or become more efficient at choosing?
Efficient and proficient?
It seems that a lot of choices are made intuitively — there’s no “think through” process. Other choices require a bit of weighing outcomes as well as perceived advantages and disadvantages.
There are times when choices seem scarce and at other times, abundant. Some choices seem so excruciatingly difficult but eventually and simply become part of your story.
I’ve just been thinking about it.
Wow with how many people have had something to say about the subject. The internet [as well as my bookshelves] are filled to brimming with advice, 4-steps this, and 7-steps that.
Dr. Seuss thought about it.
Starbucks though about it.
Burger King thought about it.
As did Chuck-a-Rama. You know, where the choice is yours — they thought about it, too.
We, the people, like having choices. And for some reason we seem to be better at demanding that there be a gazillion choices to choose from than we are at actually acquiring the skills that help us to make consistently great choices.
I’m just thinking.
Which brings me to a really great video.
Here’s the blurb of information underneath the video on Youtube:
“Sheena Iyengar studies how we make choices — and how we feel about the choices we make. At TEDGlobal [I love TEDGlobal], she talks about both trivial choices (Coke v. Pepsi) and profound ones, and shares her groundbreaking research that has uncovered some surprising attitudes about our decisions.”
“Americans tend to believe that they’ve reached some sort of pinnacle in the way they practice choice. They think that choice as seen through the American lens best fulfills an innate and universal desire for choice in all humans.”
I am formally inviting you to watch this very articulate scholar teach about the art of choosing. I’ve watched it twice. Today.
There won’t be a quiz.
Which brings us to the end of this post and a quote about choices that you are likely familiar with.
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
—Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
G I V E A W A Y C L O S E D
And I leave YOU with a choice–to enter another fabulous giveaway or not!
6 COMMENTS
Tara
12 years agoI enjoyed this very much, thanks for sharing! My takeaway (well, one of them): I think it is important to remember that there isn’t a right or wrong way to make choices, but there are different ways. Just because there is a certain accepted way our society does things doesn’t mean we can’t learn and gain value from other ways. And sometimes the most important thing is to remember not everyone thinks the same way, even when it’s hard to imagine there is any other way.
Sorry if that’s a little disjointed, it was an early morning today.
Teresa Jones
12 years agoAh, Tara! I’m thrilled that someone actually watched it. She makes some interesting points in a very clear way. I love the ‘moral’ of the nail polish story at the end. ~smile~
justliveit24
12 years agoTeresa! What an amazing thought process going on in Dr. Iyengar’s research and now, in my mind. I find it quite intriguing that maybe we don’t really need all the choices placed before us. My first reaction,(forgive me for referencing religion)was that the Master Teacher taught; “If ye love me keep my commandments.” He didn’t say CHOOSE which ones. He said “ALL” in so few words. I had heard of her book but never read it. It is now on my Christmas List! Thanks for sharing.
Teresa Jones
12 years agoOh, I would love to hear what observations you make about “choices” as you read the book. Thrilled that you’re interested in reading the book. I’m currently reading it myself. =0]
Tamera
8 years agoShe was pretty funny. The choice of soda was interesting- also the bit about the death of babies was quite sad. The parent choosing the marker and anagram vs. The teacher or kids choosing was interesting as well. Thanks, Teresa for the lovely opportunity to view this educational lecture. 😀
Teresa @ Sweet Creek Moon
8 years ago AUTHORThank YOU for visiting my blog! I hope to make it interesting and delightful enough to make a return visit. I appreciate your support, my friend.