Crippling choice isn’t even limited to consumerism. “Analysis Paralysis” is a common state when playing board games that offer a lot of decision making; contemplating the best move leaves the overthinker making no moves.
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Though in boardgames they usually have to. So there’s a limit to procrastination
I think I totally get this, @SeamusBellamy. It’s why it’s taken me almost two days to comment here - say something, or don’t - and why I find myself buying the same things over and over, even if I don’t particularly like them. This especially applies to groceries. I may not really enjoy whatever item, but I know what I’m getting and it saves me making an active decision about maybe choosing something else, comparing brands and prices etc.
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I tried that in the past, but it just doesn’t work for me. I enjoy learning about games, and that inevitably leads to wanting them.
The best I can usually do is stave off buying them by putting them on a list and saying, “I won’t buy this until the price drops at least 50%” Which is how I ended up getting Metro Exodus yesterday, and am now being horribly tempted by Monster Hunter on the Switch, even though I know I won’t get around to playing a game that requires that much commitment anytime soon. So far I’m staying strong.
Once in awhile there are games that circumvent that plan, but I usually play those right away as well so I don’t feel bad about buying them (unless they end up sucking).
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I have the opposite problem in some ways, in that I had so much frugality drilled into me growing up that I won’t allow myself to spend money on something even when it’s quite justified. So a few years back I adopted a policy that once I decide I am definitely going to buy the thing at some point, then fuck it, I buy it right then. I will earn no appreciable interest by waiting a year on the purchase, but I will lose out on a year’s worth of utility/enjoyment/whatevers. (Sort of like Vimes’ boots, but for amplifiers.)
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There might even be the danger that you will buy something that’s less expensive, rationalizing it as saving money, but then realizing that you really, really wanted the more expensive thing eh8ch you will then buy anyway.
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I just went through this last week for a new pair of fashion sneakers. Tonnes of choices in the general style and colour I wanted. And then when I’d finally find one I liked, it was often not available in my size. It took more than an hour of browsing on-line before I finally gave into satisficing my way down the right one.
That goes against my nature, because for other purchases, especially tech and electronics, I’m a serious maximiser. I’m going to be making a lot of major purchases in 2020, and have been researching some of them since late 2018.
I do that with my wardrobe to a certain extent, and he’s correct that it does pare down decisions. For example, if I find a shirt or pants I like I’ll just get multiples in different colours I know I can mix and match. Honestly, though, doing the grownup high-quality version of Garanimals is a privilege only certain kinds of affluent males can get away with without comment or sneers.
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I also read the title as possibly being about opt-in paralysis.
Even the possibility made me nope all my nopes until I was noped out.
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Post a pic here? You never know if a mutant might know the brand.
Was it something with the redhat logo stitched on? Try searching or customizable bags for giveaway.
Is it one of these? You probably checked- but just in case. https://store.ecompanystore.com/redhat/Shop/#/product-search/417bea79-f3c3-40ea-9803-3a5b8a88f62f/Backpack
I had terrible choice paralysis when shopping for baby gear. The stakes seemed so high.
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