The freedom of fewer choices

I recently came across a quote by Hazel Rose Markus in How the Mind Changed by Joseph Jebelli that stopped me in my tracks. It spoke to something I’ve felt for years but hadn’t quite named: that more choice doesn’t always mean more freedom. Sometimes, it’s the opposite.

About ten years ago, I lived in a tree house in a forest in India for a few months. I had a bag of clothes, a notebook, and not much else. No wardrobe bursting with options. No shelves of skincare. No decisions about which mug to use or which podcast to play. And I didn’t miss any of it. In fact, I felt clearer, lighter, more alive.

Back home, I often find myself overwhelmed by choice. Which supplement? Which yoga gear? Which email to answer first? Even in parenting, I notice how too many options can create stress. So I offer my son two choices – enough to feel empowered, not flooded.

Turns out, there is science behind this. Psychologist Barry Schwartz coined the term the paradox of choice, showing that too many options can lead to anxiety, decision fatigue, and even regret. Studies in behavioural economics and neuroscience echo this: our brains tire quickly when faced with excess, and satisfaction drops as options rise. Hazel Markus herself has explored how cultural contexts shape our relationship with choice – some societies thrive on collective simplicity, while others push individual freedom to the point of paralysis.

So here is my gentle nudge: next time you feel stuck or scattered, try subtracting. Fewer tabs open. Fewer outfits to choose from. Fewer “shoulds”. Notice what shifts.

I’d love to hear from you – have you ever felt freer with less? What choices have you simplified lately? Drop a comment or message me. Let’s keep this conversation honest and nourishing.

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash