The power of good enough
I’m not sure about you, but I think I’ve had enough of trying to optimize everything. A few days ago I saw one post on LinkedIn giving me 8 Simple Ways to Start a Business. I let out a sigh. Then less than a minute later, another post, 6 Simple Steps to Improve My Life. I thought my life was alright, but apparently I was missing steps 3 and 5. I must do better. It was at that moment where I’d…
In recent times, many individuals have grown weary of incessantly optimizing every aspect of their lives and work. A LinkedIn post suggesting eight simple steps to start a business left one person feeling overwhelmed, as another post just minutes later proclaimed six simple steps to improve one's life. This experience likely pushed the writer's limits for optimization that day.
It appears that such constant optimization is not exclusive to the writer; even influential personalities like Steven Bartlett, host of the Diary of a CEO podcast, have admitted that a few glasses of wine "ruined" three days of his life due to the impact on sleep, gym routine, and podcasting. Some might question if this is the time for #ThoughtsandPrayers, but the writer expresses solidarity without judgment.
The wellness industry is projected to reach an astounding $9.8 trillion by 2029, further emphasizing the obsession with optimization. However, the pressure to track sleep, food, exercise, water consumption, stress levels, and the latest trends can lead to exhaustion and hinder the enjoyment of life. Moreover, the same relentless pursuit of perfection can negatively affect professional endeavors, as organizations strive for faster outcomes and perfect endings.
Research supports the idea that striving for the optimal outcome can be counterproductive. Herbert A. Simon, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, introduced the concept of "satisficing" in 1947, which involves settling for something that meets a basic requirement rather than pursuing the absolute best. Later, in 2002, researchers led by Professor Barry Schwartz expanded upon this idea, distinguishing between "maximizers" who constantly seek the best and "satisficers" who are content with "good enough."
Maximizers tend to experience higher stress, regret, and depression due to their relentless pursuit of perfection. In contrast, satisficers make decisions quickly, maintain momentum, and stay happier despite not always achieving the highest levels of success. The writer encourages readers to consider being more "unoptimized" and embracing the concept of "good enough" to avoid the negative consequences of excessive optimization.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
