The Paralyzing Problem of Too Many Choices

After we all read Predictably Irrational, everyone seemed to say the the book was really just stating the obvious, and in a lot of ways I agree.  However I think it pointed out a lot of things that while after we read them we think, "oh of course," but before we read it, we were probably completely unaware of.

My favorite chapter in the book was chapter 8, "Keeping Doors Open."
I myself have a really difficult time when I am faced with multiple options, I would honestly rather have few, or even just have one choice, that way I am forced to make it.  I, like many other people, believe that too many choices can be paralyzing.

Options distract us from our main goal, and they draw too much energy and commitment away from the once choice that is probably best for us.
I really liked how the book used the analogy of doors and talked about how we need to close some doors to better ourselves.  I really had never thought of that before.  I always thought the more options I had, the better off I was.  When in reality, I completely agree, that when faced with so many choices, it takes away from the best choice.

For example, if I'm shoe shopping, and I find a pair that I absolutely love, I immediately want to buy them.  But instead of just going with my gut, I continue to look around and find two other pairs that I really like as well.  Now I don't know what to do because it is almost like finding more pairs that I "liked" took away from how much I originally "loved" the first ones.

Check out this link for more examples and insight on the problem of choices! TOO MANY CHOICES!

Brand Relationships

In the article we read in class "Consumers and Their Brands", there was a table discussing the different types of brand relationships we as consumers have.  Here are some of mine!

Arranged Marriages: When I'm staying at home with my family in the summers, I use tons of bounty products because that is what my mom buys for the household so it has become an nonvoluntary union.

Buddies: My household cleaning brands, I am a big fan of everything Lysol!

Marriages of Convenience: I use a lot of elf makeup products, such as eyeshadows because they are very similar to high end brands at a much cheaper price.

Committed partnerships: I am absolutely in love with dove soap.  It is the only thing I will ever wash my face with, and I would never switch to another brand, no matter how much cheaper it may ever be.

Rebounds: After going through a breakup, I will no longer buy frozen chicken in large amounts, like those big bags of chicken breast you buy at costco.  It is just something that bothers me now, so I would rather buy a few fresh chicken breasts.

Dependencies:  Michael Kors!!  I really feel like this brand is irreplaceable in my life!

Flings:  I have flings with my makeup and shampoos a lot.  I like to try new things and see what other brands have to offer.

Secret Affairs: I am a big tea person, anytime I need something hot to drink, I go for a green tea.  So when I occasionally order a skinny mocha from Starbucks, I feel like I'm betraying my herbal teas!