The Trader Joe's Principle
The art of deciding once.
Everyone wants simplicity. One way is to make fewer decisions.
One idea I've been taking action on is fixed decision-making. Make a decision once, then stick to it (or until life changes).
I eat practically the same breakfast every morning. Breakfast could be anything, but I’ve limited it to two options based on one condition — where am I?
WFH = Egg tacos 🌮
Office = Overnight oats 🥣
A fixed decision doesn't mean limiting. It means preventing the limitless.
My favorite grocer, Trader Joe's, understands this. They stock fewer products than others. Instead of 24 rows of cereal, you see 6. They know the paradox of choice—more options don't make us happy.
So I’ve been expanding fixed decision-making to my life.
Another work-related decision: what to wear to the office. I've decided my first day in the office will always be a blazer or sport coat. Period.
It makes me feel good, and as Jerry Seinfeld says, they give you an unfair advantage. Might as well wear the $400 Bonobos sport coat.
You can apply fixed decision-making anywhere. One of my favorite internet personalities, Scott Galloway, walks into restaurants and asks servers, "What's the best thing on the menu?" Then orders it. No deliberation.
Other areas of your life could be:
Getting the same type of gift for friends
Vacuuming on Thursdays.
Taco Tuesdays/Pizza Fridays
Investigate life's pain points. Where are you stuck making decisions with endless possibilities? How can you shrink those down to just a few choices, or just one choice?
The micro decisions we make every day are the invisible killers.
Thanks for reading!
Irfan
If my writing brought you value, please share it with someone else.
Not a subscriber? Sign up for free below.