Is maximizing alwasy the best route?

In the Paradox of Choice, it spends a lot of time describing maximizers and satisficers. 

Being a maximizer, like myself, it is difficult to go shopping, because you always want to make the BEST decision possible. While a satisficer purchases a product when all of their requirements are met.

This really got me thinking about how I shop and make decisions in general. Should I always be maximizing? Well lets start by looking at my past shopping experiences. Recently I purchased a raincoat from Eddie Bauer, but this decision took some time. When Eddie Bauer was having a 25% off sale, I just had to stop at the store. Although this was a good deal and I really like a particular rain coat, I couldn't buy it at least not immediately. I put it back on the rack and did some research. I took to the internet and looked at REI outlet, the Climb, and a few other sites. After a few days of looking, yes days, I went back to Eddie Bauer and got my new coat.

This turned out to be a good decision, because I got a great rain coat at a great price. But had all of my shopping decision been this successful? Not so much. There have been many times when I have spent so much time looking at other alternatives that I missed out on the sale or product. Not to mention how much time and effort I had spent looking into these decisions without anything to show for it.

Being a maximizer can affect your decision making in other areas too. For example, how much effort you spend on homework, studying for exams, or  planning spring break. Maximizers tend to spend a lot of time and effort to do the BEST on homework, studying, or finding the most memorable option for spring break. However, maximizers are not always the happiest. With all the stress and time spent on looking for the best decision, they can loose track of their original goal.

I am definitely guilty of stressing and overwhelming myself when making a decision. Being a maximizer is not always bad though, especially when it comes to important decisions when buying a car or other long term decisions. On the side for satisficers, they can have very high standards, but it does not have to be the best decision out there which can save a lot of time and stress.

Overall, it is important to decide when your decision requires to be maximized or satisfied. You may be able to save a lot of time and stress just by being a satisficer.