Freedom of Choices (Anxiety)

"We are our choices." - Jean-Paul Sartre

One thing we are not short of are options. Choices haunt our thoughts from the time we wake up till we sleep at night.

Take toothpaste, for example. There are over ten major toothpaste brands, each offering different varieties for various age groups. Within those, there are toothpastes of different flavors. To keep up with consumer demand, brands regularly release new products, often boasting better technology.

Now, consider the decision to watch a movie at night. First, you need to choose a platform. Once on the platform, you select an account. From there, you narrow down by choosing a genre, say horror. But even within horror, there are sub-genres and films from various regions and languages.

Then there are the shifting perceptions of what's good for us. Take eggs, for instance. Eggs were once celebrated as a great source of protein, then it was said that egg whites were the healthier option. Later, we heard that whole eggs could be bad for the heart, and now we’re told they’re healthy again.

Imagine a young boy, just sixteen, picking up his first cigarette. Why? Peer pressure, the desire to fit in, maybe even to look 'cool.' Fast forward to when he’s sixty, and that boy is now a man facing the harsh reality of lung cancer. It's a direct result of the smoking habit he started all those years ago.

Determined to change, he starts running every morning, embracing a healthier lifestyle. But one fateful day, during his daily run, a drunk driver hits him, ending his life in an instant. It’s a stark reminder of how unpredictable life can be, and how complex our choices really are.

In our youthful days, we labor under the construct that good grades beget prosperity—a well-trodden path to a lucrative career, an attractive spouse, promising offspring who will one day uphold our legacy. This grand design appears infallible, yet how often does the capricious hand of life obey such orchestrations? Despite this uncertainty, we persist in constructing our plans, clinging to the mirage of control in a chaotic world.

Consider this: you might study law, dreaming of becoming a respected judge, only to discover your true passion in writing. Or, you might become an engineer, but a sudden medical issue leaves you unable to work, even homeless. Maybe you diligently save each month, only to see all your savings vanish in a stock market crash.

We are, it seems, both architects and actors in this theater of absurdity. The existential truth remains: we navigate a universe indifferent to our aspirations, where plans unravel and destinies diverge. Yet, we persist, continue to strive, and perhaps therein lies our most profound testament to the human spirit.

It's not just that we're bombarded with choices; we're also burdened with the responsibility of owning the choices we make, as they shape who we are and influence our future.

The paradox of choice suggests that while having options is often viewed as a hallmark of freedom and progress, an overabundance of choices can paradoxically lead to increased anxiety and diminished satisfaction. This counterintuitive phenomenon unfolds in several keyways.

First, when faced with numerous options, decision-making can become overwhelming. Rather than feeling liberated by the freedom to choose, individuals may experience decision fatigue—a state where mental resources are depleted by the constant evaluation of possibilities. As the number of choices grows, so does the mental load, making even simple decisions feel complicated and stress-inducing.

Second, abundant options heighten the burden of responsibility. Each choice carries significant consequences, increasing the likelihood of regret if the outcome is later deemed suboptimal. The fear of making the wrong decision leads to anxiety, as individuals worry about missing out on better alternatives or failing to make the "perfect" choice.

Contrary to the notion that more options promote autonomy, this heightened sense of responsibility can trap people in cycles of self-doubt and second-guessing.

Additionally, the presence of diverse alternatives increases the potential for comparison. Rather than evaluating each option on its own merits, individuals measure their choices against a mental ideal—a standard crafted from the best features of all available options. This comparative process can erode satisfaction even after a decision is made, as the possibility that an unchosen option might have been superior lingers in the mind. In this way, the abundance of options can lead not only to pre-decision anxiety but also to post-decision regret and dissatisfaction.

Furthermore, the search for the optimal choice generates a phenomenon known as “maximizing,” where individuals continuously seek the best possible outcome while minimizing perceived flaws. Maximizers often struggle with life's inherent uncertainty; the constant appraisal of alternatives complicates decision-making and leaves little room for accepting that "good enough" might be sufficient. The resulting tension between striving for perfection and dealing with real life's imperfections contributes significantly to anxiety.

Consider a trendy restaurant with an extensive menu featuring 50 different dishes. At first glance, the variety seems a delight—after all, you have the freedom to choose whatever appeals to your taste. However, as you peruse the menu, you become overwhelmed by the number of options. Each dish promises a unique flavor, and you worry that choosing one means missing out on another potentially better option.

As you deliberate, the pressure to make the perfect choice builds. The fear of regretting your decision intensifies your anxiety; you begin imagining that another dish might be a better fit for your mood or dietary preference. This process of weighing 50 possibilities not only prolongs your decision-making but also makes you less confident in your final selection. Even when you choose a dish that should satisfy you, the lingering thought of the other appealing alternatives prevents you from fully enjoying your meal. This illustrates the paradox of choice: instead of feeling liberated by the abundance of options, you become burdened by the responsibility and anxiety of making the "perfect" decision.

Imagine a high school senior named Maya deciding on a college major. At her school, she's encouraged to explore a wide range of subjects—from literature to engineering, psychology to business. Initially, the many choices seem exciting, offering endless possibilities for her future. However, as Maya begins researching, she encounters the paradox of choice.

With so many appealing fields, Maya worries about making the "wrong" decision. Each option carries its own potential career paths, challenges, and rewards. The more she learns about each major, the more aware she becomes of what she might miss by not choosing the others. This abundance of possibilities creates a feeling of overload. She finds it difficult to narrow down her interests, constantly second-guessing her choice and wondering if she's overlooking a better fit for her talents or passions.

As the decision deadline approaches, M’aya’s anxiety increases. The fear of regret—worrying that another major might have provided more satisfaction or success—paralyzes her. She feels pressured by the belief that her choice will determine her entire future, intensifying the sense of responsibility and the stakes of her decision. Rather than feeling liberated by her opportunities, Maya’s experience becomes a stressful ordeal.

Abundance of options, intended to offer freedom and personalisation, can instead lead to decision paralysis and emotional stress. Maya’s struggle reflects the paradox of choice: while more options should theoretically provide greater freedom, they can also increase anxiety and decrease satisfaction by making each decision feel extraordinarily consequential.

Freedom of choice is a cornerstone of human existence—a dynamic interplay between opportunity and responsibility that shapes our lives, identities, and destinies. At its essence, freedom of choice is not merely the ability to decide between alternatives; it's the power to define who we are and what we stand for. This freedom, however, comes with an inherent burden: the realization that every decision carries consequences, and we are the authors of our own lives.

Philosophers throughout history have explored the profound concept of freedom of choice. Existential thinkers, in particular, emphasize that our ability to choose fundamentally distinguishes us as human beings. Jean-Paul Sartre famously declared that “existence precedes essence,” implying that we are not born with a predetermined purpose. Instead, through our choices, we create our essence—our values, beliefs, and character. This perspective invites us to view freedom as both a gift and a challenge. With every decision, we write a new chapter of our life’s narrative, affirming our individuality while acknowledging the often unpredictable outcomes resulting from our actions.

At the heart of freedom of choice lies personal responsibility. When faced with a decision—whether in mundane, everyday matters or significant life-altering moments—we confront the dual realities of possibility and accountability. No external authority can strip us of the capacity to choose, but in doing so, we must bear the weight of our decisions. This responsibility may seem daunting as it thrusts us into a continual state of evaluation and self-determination. Yet, it is precisely this responsibility that empowers us to live authentically. By actively engaging in decision-making, we not only shape our lives but also assert our agency in a world that often prioritizes conformity over individuality.

The interplay between freedom and responsibility can create paradoxical tension: while having choices is liberating, recognizing that each choice carries potential for both positive growth and negative consequences can lead to existential anxiety. This anxiety—the burden of freedom—emerges when we realize there's no infallible guide determining our actions. Instead, humans must navigate life's complexities armed only with imperfect knowledge and a deep desire for meaning. In confronting this anxiety, many wrestle with self-doubt and regret, wondering if a better choice was possible. Yet, it is in this struggle that the beauty of freedom truly lies.

The freedom to choose provides a canvas upon which we can paint our most authentic selves. It allows us to pursue passions, challenge societal norms, and redefine success on our own terms. In a society where external pressures and predefined pathways often dictate behavior, the courage to make independent choices is a radical act of self-affirmation. It's an invitation to live according to one's inner truth rather than succumbing to external expectations. By embracing our freedom of choice, we acknowledge that life is a continuous process of becoming—an evolution of thought, emotion, and action.

Moreover, freedom of choice is the foundation of creativity and innovation. When free to imagine alternatives and explore uncharted territories, we unlock potential for developing new ideas, forging novel paths, and reinventing established structures.

History is filled with examples of individuals who, by choosing differently, instigated profound transformations in art, science, and culture. Their stories remind us that every significant leap forward begins with a decision—a deliberate step against the status quo, guided by a vision transcending conventional limitations.

Besides fostering personal growth and societal progress, freedom of choice also cultivates empathy and understanding. Engaging with others' diverse ways of exercising their freedom broadens our perspectives. Recognizing that each person navigates life's labyrinth of choices, we're more inclined to respect differing paths, opinions, and lifestyles. This empathy is essential in an interconnected world, where recognizing mutual freedom enhances our capacity to live harmoniously amidst diversity.

Yet, with the power of choice comes the challenge of uncertainty. No decision guarantees a flawless outcome, and life's inherent unpredictability can be unsettling. However, this uncertainty injects life with vibrancy and opportunities for growth. Every misstep or unforeseen consequence offers a valuable lesson, a chance to adapt, and an invitation to refine our understanding of the world. By embracing uncertainty, we develop a resilient mindset—viewing failures not as endpoints but as integral steps in the ongoing journey of self-discovery.

Freedom of choice is more than an abstract concept—it is the fuel for a genuinely lived life. It calls on us to take ownership of our existence, celebrate our unique capacities for self-expression, and engage with the world courageously and compassionately.

While the liberty to choose brings with it the onerous weight of responsibility and the shadows of uncertainty, it is also the wellspring of creativity, authenticity, and hope. By choosing freely, we affirm our humanity in all its complexity, crafting lives not merely dictated by circumstance but defined by the dreams, passions, andconvictions we choose to embrace.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." - Søren Kierkegaard