Name: Sometimes it's good to give up the driver's seat
Uploaded: 2012-07-18T14:59:35Z
Duration: 9 min 30 s
Description: Over the years, research has shown a counterintuitive fact about human nature: Sometimes, having too much choice makes us less happy. This may even be true when it comes to medical treatment. Baba Shiv shares a fascinating study that measures why choice opens the door to doubt, and suggests that ceding control -- especially on life-or-death decisions -- may be the best thing for us.

Over the years, research has shown a counterintuitive fact about human nature: Sometimes, having too much choice makes us less happy. This may even be true when it comes to medical treatment. Baba Shiv shares a fascinating study that measures why choice opens the door to doubt, and suggests that ceding control -- especially on life-or-death decisions -- may be the best thing for us.

Sometimes it's good to give up the driver's seat

Having too much choice, especially in high-stakes situations, can increase anxiety and self-doubt. A personal story of navigating cancer treatment reveals that being forced to make every medical decision was more agonizing than the diagnosis itself. Research shows that people tasked with making every choice often perform worse and put in less effort than those who let trusted experts decide. Sometimes, peace of mind and better results come from taking the passenger's seat.