Just pick one

Don't treat low stakes matters like high stakes matters

I’ve been doing a lot of traveling this spring, which means I’ve had to book a reasonable number of hotel rooms. In certain circumstances, it’s fun to know you’re getting a really great place that an expert has chosen for you months ahead of time. In others, well, you’ll be in NYC for one night. There are a lot of hotels.

Just pick one.

Seriously, you could spend gobs of time trying to optimize. Maybe this hotel has slightly better overall ratings, but more people rave about this other hotel’s breakfast. This one is quiet, but this one might have better views. This one is a bit closer to the venue where you’re going. This one is slightly cheaper.

In the end, however, most hotels within a certain budget range are pretty similar. They all have beds and bathrooms. I chose a hotel that was in the right neighborhood, at a reasonable price, and it was fine.

Save time

For a great many things in life, the “just pick one” philosophy can save you time. Your best friend deserves a birthday present that makes her feel seen. But if your kid is going to a birthday party for a classmate you don’t know that well, type in “gifts for 8-year-olds” online and just pick one.

If you’re eating out at a restaurant, and several dishes look good, don’t worry about which one is best. Just pick one. You’ll probably be happy with it. And if someone else’s order looks better? Well, now you know. This was not your last supper. You can order something else the next time.

Limited brainpower

Making decisions can take a lot of time. Sometimes this is a good use of time. You probably want to think about whether you want to take that new job offer, or whether it’s a good idea to pack up the family and move to Chicago, or whether to invest heavily in launching a new product.

But when things are obviously low stakes situations, there is no point treating them like high stakes situations. And since brainpower is limited, treating low stakes matters like high stakes matters means there won’t be as much energy left for the big things. Truly, the house salad will be great. Just go for it.