Maximizers are people who “want to make the optimal decision. So even if they see a bicycle or a photographer that would seem to meet their requirements, they can’t make a decision until after they’ve examined every option, so they know they’re making the best possible choice.”
Satisficers are people “who make a decision or take action once their criteria are met. That doesn’t mean they’ll settle for mediocrity; their criteria can be very high; but as soon as they find the car, the hotel, or the pasta sauce that has the qualities they want, they’re satisfied.” (Are You a Satisficer or a Maximizer? | Gretchen Rubin)
I think in life, most people are a mixture of the two, but what are you in naming? I think we all know people who just hear a name they love, decide it’s the ONE for their kid, and never look back to contemplate whether it really was the best choice in the end. And on the other side, many of us can simply agonize over our choices repeatedly.
I have come to realize I am definitely a maximizer when it comes to names, but it turns out that maximizers are rarely happier with their decisions in the long run… “Maximizers rely heavily on external sources for evaluation. Rather than asking themselves if they enjoy their choice, they are more likely to evaluate their choices based on its reputation, social status, and other external cues. […] A satisficer is less likely to experience regret even if a better option presents itself after a decision has already been made. Compared to satisficers, maximizing individuals are more likely to experience lower levels of happiness, [more] regret, and [lower] self-esteem.”
(Redirect Notice)
So I’m trying to convince myself to take on more of the qualities of a satisficer when it comes to this kind of decision. [name_m]How[/name_m] about you?
And for those of you who have yet to name actual kids, where do you fall? [name_m]How[/name_m] satisfied do you feel about your long list of potentials for future children if you want them someday? And how about your sig?