I recently read a blog post about the difference between choices and decisions, and how we often conflate the two. I thought it was from Seth Godin’s blog, but now I can’t find it, so I guess I have no idea where I heard or read this idea.
This is another example of analysis paralysis. The distinction I am making here is that “choices” are things that don’t really matter. Paint color. TV brand. Vehicle. Yes, there are virtually infinite options for any of these, but do any of them matter? “Decisions” are more life-impacting things. Do you move? Do you change your job? Do you change course?
We spend far too much time focusing on the choices that we have, that we ignore, or put off, the more difficult decisions facing us.
Going back to Meditations, Marcus Aurelius wrote:
The value of attentiveness varies in proportion to its object. You’re better off not giving the small things more time than they deserve
Meditations 4.32
You can never avoid making choices. But what you can do is keep those choices in perspective and only give them as much time as they deserve. Nothing more.
Avoid analysis paralysis on unimportant things. Save your energy for the real decisions you face