We make about 50 decisions every day, on average, which adds up to almost 1.5-million choices over a lifetime. And new research reveals we spend a lot of time doubting the choices we make. According to a new survey of 2-thousand adults, the average American second-guesses 41% of their daily decisions.
It turns out, that’s on the low side, as one in eight are even bigger overthinkers who deliberate nearly every decision they make. Even though we make choices every single day, a quarter of respondents admit they get stressed out by making simple decisions. And that can make a trip to the grocery store an intense experience.
- A quarter of those polled admit they often get overwhelmed with choices at the supermarket and 54% feel pressure to always make the “right” purchase.
- As a result, the average person spends four minutes deciding on each item, but a third spend even longer doing it.
- Four minutes is also how long it takes for “aisle anxiety” - or the anxiety people feel while deciding what to buy - to kick in.
- More than a third say they get aisle anxiety when grocery shopping (36%), because they feel overwhelmed by all the options (39%) and crowded by others (37%).
- While seven in 10 want to be 100% sure every item in their cart is right for them, 71% are just trying to be more deliberate with their decisions.
- Just over a third (36%) consider themselves to be “product detectives,” researching the products they buy, analyzing labels and packaging to make informed choices.
- When it comes to food, 40% say they research products more today than five years ago, specifically looking for items that are sustainable (45%), ethical (38%), “healthier for you” (38%) and containing no added sugar (19%).
Source: Talker