When Choices Confuse Us
Have you ever tried ordering something at a café in Sukkur, Lahore, Karachi, or Islamabad? The waiter brings a long menu—15 types of coffee, 10 kinds of sandwiches, and 6 styles of fries. You just wanted a quick meal, but now you’re confused.
This is something many of us feel, not just at restaurants but in life. When we have too many choices, we often feel stressed instead of happy. This is called the paradox of choice.
What Does It Mean?
The paradox of choice means that when we are given more options, we expect to feel more free and satisfied. But instead, we feel more worried, less confident, and sometimes even regretful after choosing.
A Real Example: Faizan’s Career Confusion
Faizan was a bright student from Multan. After graduating in business, he received offers from three companies—one in Lahore, one in Karachi, and one abroad in Dubai.
Instead of feeling happy, Faizan felt stressed.
“What if I choose the wrong job?”
“What if another one pays better in the future?”
“What if I regret it later?”
He kept thinking and overthinking. Even after choosing one, he didn’t feel at peace.
When we have too many choices, we stop enjoying the one we make.
Why Does This Happen?
Here’s why having too many options can make us unhappy:
Too much thinking: More choices mean more decisions. That takes mental energy.
Fear of missing out: We worry we might lose something better.
Pressure to choose “the best”: We don’t want to make a “bad” decision.
Less satisfaction: Even after choosing, we keep doubting ourselves.
How It Affects Students & Professionals in Pakistan
In Pakistan today, students have many degree options—engineering, medicine, IT, media, freelancing—and it’s hard to pick one. Professionals face similar confusion—job switches, business ideas, foreign opportunities.
It’s good to have options, but too many can delay decisions or even lead to mental burnout.
How to Deal With It (Simple Tips)
You don’t need to remove all choices—you just need to manage them better.
Limit your options
Instead of choosing between 10 things, pick your top 2 or 3 and focus only on them.
Make small decisions quickly
Not every choice is life-changing. Decide quickly and move on.
Be a satisficer
This means choosing what is good enough, not perfect. Most of the time, “good enough” is more than enough.
Accept your choice
Once you choose, don’t look back. Be kind to yourself and trust your decision.
A Calm Reminder
“Zyada ka matlab hamesha behtar nahi hota.”
(More doesn’t always mean better.)
In our fast and busy life, peace comes from simplicity—not from endless options.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a university student choosing a career, or a professional thinking about a new job or business idea, remember this:
You don’t need the perfect choice. You need a peaceful mind.
Choose wisely. Choose calmly. And then move forward with confidence.
