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Psychol Sci February 2006 PMID 16466422

Doing better but feeling worse. Looking for the "best" job undermines satisfaction.

Sheena S Iyengar, Rachael E Wells, Barry Schwartz

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Mentions

19
Peak: 3 in Jan 2025
across 5 sources since Jan 2010

Extended reach

29,163
potential audience

Total likes

391

Video views

14,141

Mentions per month

Jan 2010 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter8 posts
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  • Instagram1 posts
  • Blogs1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reveal a strong alignment with the article's themes, such as warnings against stressing over high standards and the mental toll of pursuing the 'best' option, illustrated by phrases like 'Chasing Perfection is Ruining Your Life' and advice to 'be aware but not stress.' The tone varies from cautionary to insightful, emphasizing the psychological implications of maximizing on decision-making, which underscores both interest and engagement in the topic.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions agree with the article's point that seeking perfection or the 'best' job can decrease satisfaction, as evidenced by comments emphasizing the importance of balancing high standards without stress and highlighting how perfectionism can be d

InterestHigh interest

The posts show high interest, especially with references to new episodes and discussions about maximizing versus satisficing, indicating engagement with the topic of job satisfaction and decision-making.

EngagementModerate engagement

Several discussions delve into the nuances of managing expectations and the psychological impact of seeking the ideal job, reflecting reflective and meaningful engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

While not universally transformative, these social discussions indicate a moderate recognition of the article's relevance, especially for individuals struggling with perfectionism and job choices.

Abstract in brief

  • Maximizers tend to achieve better job outcomes, such as higher starting salaries, but they are less satisfied and experience more negative feelings during the job search process.
  • The study found that maximizing is linked to a heavier dependence on external information and a fixation on available options, which contributes to their lower satisfaction.
  • Overall, trying to find the "best" job can lead to better results, but it often decreases overall happiness and well-being during the decision-making process.]
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Nobuhiro Ariyoshi MD
@AriyoshiMd · X

https://t.co/7DTFhd6KNz

Dec 5, 2025 · 3 likes · 13,348 followers View post →
Maulik Chaudhary
@mjchaudhary888 · X

Be aware of high standards but don't stress about it. https://t.co/FUDK1ht5NL #life @NGKabra @shrikant

Feb 7, 2025 · 2 likes · 1 share · 26 followers View post →
thefutureiq
@thefutureiq · X

New Episode is Out! - Chasing Perfection is Ruining Your Life - Maximizing vs Satisficing #podcast #podcasting #podcasters https://t.co/pSVbSjCuDx https://t.co/MpyUc1Rbjs

Jan 31, 2025 · 2 likes · 15 followers View post →
موسى משה Moses Моше
@heismoses · X

@naomiga61 @666kotbegemot @GiladCohenJR @Yoav__Zehavi @WomenWagePeace מודאגים, המומים ומדוכאים במהלך התהליך כולו" https://t.co/dwjUDhO3H7 עמוד 147. ככל הנראה, החיפוש אחר התוצאה החמקמקה "הטובה ביותר" העמיסה על כתפיהם משא פסיכולוגי כבד. הטיפוס השני מרגיש ״סבבה״.

May 20, 2021 · 1,345 followers View post →
ناديه عطيّه .
@nad_qu1 · X

Fear of better option : https://t.co/0PkE33DGlj https://t.co/pF3DyFp5bw

Jan 2, 2022 · 157 followers View post →
Salvador Rodriguez
@SrCAGT · X

https://t.co/q7SeSdoqNN

Jan 20, 2024 · 40 followers View post →

All mentions

The Growth Hub
@thegrowthhubx · X

@marieforleo Source: https://t.co/OyNqwnE396

Dec 23, 2025 View post →
Nobuhiro Ariyoshi MD
@AriyoshiMd · X

https://t.co/7DTFhd6KNz

Dec 5, 2025 · 3 likes · 13,348 followers View post →
Maulik Chaudhary
@mjchaudhary888 · X

Be aware of high standards but don't stress about it. https://t.co/FUDK1ht5NL #life @NGKabra @shrikant

Feb 7, 2025 · 2 likes · 1 share · 26 followers View post →
Kiran Sarella
@kiran_sarella · X

Chasing Perfection is Ruining Your Life - Maximizing vs Satisficing - Fu... https://t.co/mf35UKshCH via @YouTube

Jan 31, 2025 View post →
thefutureiq
@thefutureiq · X

New Episode is Out! - Chasing Perfection is Ruining Your Life - Maximizing vs Satisficing #podcast #podcasting #podcasters https://t.co/pSVbSjCuDx https://t.co/MpyUc1Rbjs

Jan 31, 2025 · 2 likes · 15 followers View post →
Salvador Rodriguez
@SrCAGT · X

https://t.co/q7SeSdoqNN

Jan 20, 2024 · 40 followers View post →
ناديه عطيّه .
@nad_qu1 · X

Fear of better option : https://t.co/0PkE33DGlj https://t.co/pF3DyFp5bw

Jan 2, 2022 · 157 followers View post →
موسى משה Moses Моше
@heismoses · X

@naomiga61 @666kotbegemot @GiladCohenJR @Yoav__Zehavi @WomenWagePeace מודאגים, המומים ומדוכאים במהלך התהליך כולו" https://t.co/dwjUDhO3H7 עמוד 147. ככל הנראה, החיפוש אחר התוצאה החמקמקה "הטובה ביותר" העמיסה על כתפיהם משא פסיכולוגי כבד. הטיפוס השני מרגיש ״סבבה״.

May 20, 2021 · 1,345 followers View post →
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... 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2006.01677.x; Lyubomirsky, S. & Ross, L. (1997) Hedonic consequences of social comparison: A contrast of happy and ...

Jan 25, 2010 View →