The Curse of Having Too Many Choices: Why We Struggle to Decide | Janani BM | TEDxGCEM

Students and young professionals often spend so long searching for the perfect course, career or skill that they never start. In this TEDxGCEM talk, engineering student Janani BM looks at choice overload, social comparison and the fear of closing other doors as causes of decision paralysis. Drawing on her own experience and student life, she argues for making a good choice, committing to it for now and changing direction as one grows.

• Why too many options can lead to decision paralysis
• Pressure from career, course and skill choices among students
• Making a good choice, committing to it for now and staying open to change
• Having many options does not require pursuing all of them

Have you ever spent so much time choosing the perfect course, career, or skill that you never actually got started? In The Curse of Having Too Many Choices, Janani explores a challenge many students and young professionals face: the overwhelming pressure of making the right decision in a world full of possibilities. Drawing from her own experiences and the realities of student life, she examines how choice overload, social comparison, and the fear of closing other doors can lead to decision paralysis. From choosing a career path to deciding which skills to learn, the pursuit of the perfect choice can sometimes prevent us from making any choice at all. Janani challenges us to rethink our relationship with decisions. Instead of searching endlessly for the perfect path, she encourages us to make a good choice, commit to it for now, and give ourselves permission to change direction as we grow. Because having many options doesn't mean we have to pursue them all. Sometimes, freedom means choosing one path and taking the first step. “This one. For now.” Janani BM is an engineering student with a strong curiosity for learning and exploring experiences beyond academics. Passionate about public speaking and communication, she enjoys expressing ideas, participating in meaningful opportunities, and connecting with people. She is an IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Scholarship recipient and has actively contributed to IEEE initiatives. Her outreach idea was shortlisted under IEEE Bangalore Section – PRAVARTANA 2026, through which she contributed to a two-day STEM outreach programme for PU students. Beyond technology and academics, she enjoys reading and sports and has participated in athletics. Her diverse interests reflect her curiosity, enthusiasm, and willingness to step beyond familiar boundaries. She continually seeks experiences that challenge her, broaden her perspective, and encourage personal growth. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx