Over Optioned

Living in our highly touted technological and information age allows us to have an endless amount of choices, ranging from brands of cereal to careers, computers, companions, etc. Current research has shown that the paradox created by these limitless choices is that they often lead to indecision, mental exhaustion, less productivity as well as extreme anxiety about making the wrong choice.

Rather than being oppressed by this overabundance of options, there are basic steps that can be taken to alleviate feeling as if you're drowning in a sea of choices:

• Narrow your choices by investigating the 2 or 3 best ones and make an informed decision from this group without recriminations.

• Set a REASONABLE time frame in which you will commit to the decision.

• Resolve to NOT drive yourself crazy- be satisfied with a superb or good choice as opposed to the absolutely perfect one.

• Use trusted sources whenever possible, saving yourself time and energy-a friend who always gets the best "deal", experts whose opinions you believe, etc.

• Stop ruminating on the "road not taken" or the "one that got away", which merely gives permission not to make a commitment-take credit for the decision made.

• Selecting clothes, food, gifts, cars, etc. need not be a reflection about who and what you are- determine to make these choices (which will narrow the field), based upon your own taste, budget, values, time and energy.

• Prince or Princess Charming is NOT riding in on a white horse! – due to being bombarded by a plethora of relationship possibilities, have your expectations been unrealistically high, making sound choices unlikely? Time to seek out sources (professionals, friends with sound judgment), to give you honest, pragmatic and level-headed feedback.

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!