Decision-making can be difficult but only if you make it so. According to a new study by the Florida State University, second-guessing yourself with big or small decisions can take a toll on your emotions.

If this sounds familiar, then you are what psychologists commonly refer to as a maximizer. If you’re in need of a new jacket, you aren’t just content to go to the mall and buy the one you see; you need to scout all the shops to make sure you’re making the right decision. And even when you think you’ve found the one, you end up wondering about your decision to take it home days later.

On the other hand, there are people called satisficers—those who make a decision and live with it. This group is definitely happier than the first for one primary reason. According to the study authors, "maximizers miss out on the psychological benefits of commitment," which then makes them less satisfied with the choices they’ve made.

Life isn’t exactly black and white. You can’t be expected to make the right decisions all the time, but if you want to be happy, you have to learn how to make a decision and stick with it. A mistake or two isn’t going to be the end of the world. Try to balance the part of you that wants to make the right choice with the part of you that can commit once you’ve made a decision. Have a little faith in yourself.


For more articles on helping you believe in yourself and achieve happiness, try these:

• Choosing Joy: Make Happier Choices by Measuring Their Opportunity Costs
• New Study: Research Shows Happiness and Sadness Are Infectious + 10 Small Ways to Spread Joy
• New Study: Happiness Comes With Age, 12 Reasons Not to Fear Getting Older
• Happiness Is Healthy: The Benefits of Having Fun

(Photo by Scarleth White via Flickr Creative Commons)