Understand why keeping too many options open drains your focus and energy

Jenna used to join every extracurricular, apply for every opportunity, and RSVP 'maybe' to half a dozen events each weekend. Her digital calendar looked like a patchwork quilt of unfinished projects, stress, and FOMO—the fear of missing out. Yet, the more doors she kept open, the less progress she made on any of them, and the more exhausted she felt. One cold Thursday, she realized her various side hustles and social obligations had her running on empty and snapping at friends.

After rereading an experiment about students racing from 'room to room' in a computer game, burning energy to keep all their options alive while earning less and enjoying little, Jenna decided to close some doors. Over the next week, she quit two clubs, unsubscribed from half her emails, and finally texted a friend to bow out of a group trip she wasn’t excited about. It was scarier than expected, but as relief flooded in, she felt her focus and excitement return.

Science confirms that more options aren’t always better—limiting choices allows for deeper engagement, energy, and satisfaction. Saying 'no' is difficult, but it's often the key to an accomplished and more peaceful life.

Take inventory of your current commitments and honestly rank which match your actual values and goals. Choose one to let go of, whether that means declining an offer, canceling a minor subscription, or quitting an unnecessary group. After you do, give yourself time to notice any lighter feelings or the arrival of unexpected extra energy—even a single freed-up hour matters. Repeat this process every few months to keep your focus where it matters, and learn that saying yes to the essentials requires the courage to close a few doors for good.