53 Comments
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Simon J (Life Coach)'s avatar

Great article! Fully agree that more choice doesn’t always lead to better decisions. Through the jam experiment and Hick’s Law, it illustrates how overwhelming options can lead to paralysis rather than action. The lesson is clear: clarity and simplicity are not just preferences but necessities, whether in decision-making, design, or writing.

For writers, this is a wake-up call. Readers don’t crave complexity; they crave understanding. Every unnecessary word, every convoluted sentence, is another “jam flavor” making their cognitive load heavier. So the takeaway is to say less, but say it better. Lead with what matters, simplify where you can, and trust that clarity, not complexity, is what leaves a lasting impact.

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Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

Amazing summary ♥️

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🎈Noemi Apetri 🎈's avatar

Super nice article! Thank you!

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Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

I'm glad you found it useful. :)

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Vicki James's avatar

I had heard the jam analogy long but didn’t have a reference for it. Now I have the reference and some handy tips to apply to my writing. Thanks!

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Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

Awesome. I'm glad this was of value to you. :)

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Digital-Mark's avatar

To sum it up, simplicity sells.

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smoldaiquiri's avatar

this is so wonderfully articulated

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Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

Thanks. I'm glad you found it valuable.

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Twisted Willow Wellness's avatar

Great article. Could not stop my brain from picturing the menu from cheese cake factory. Really helpful and true.

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Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

Hahah, yeah. The more options there are, the more difficult it is to make a decision.

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James Conroy's avatar

I think I need more practice...

What do you think?

https://synnthesis.substack.com/p/synthesis

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Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

You're doing a great job. :)

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James Conroy's avatar

I'm trying my best. Thank you.

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Christina McCaffrey's avatar

Wonderful article. Great suggestions

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Beyond Visions's avatar

Ohh I love the visual 😍

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Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

Thanks :)

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Emmanuel franzis mush's avatar

Help team

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Jacqueline (MamaJ) Hollows's avatar

Very apt article. Thank you. I’ve found the simplicity approach most useful in marketing too. Many coaches (me too) speak ‘inside’ language instead of speaking the readers language.

Result = no one can hear you!

Straightforward language enables the reader to resonate and go with you in the journey.

I’m still learning:)

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Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

I'm glad you found value in this. Simplicity trumps 'insider' language.

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Natasha0824's avatar

thanks for this, amazing examples

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Aristotelis Tsormpas's avatar

Very interesting take! This applied to other topics too I suppose!

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Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

That's true. A lot of its application I found was in the field of UX and design.

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Yashika's avatar

Too good

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Ann Selene's avatar

I loved this! I especially had fun in the intro, I would have gone for the jam with 6 choices, and my fiance would have gone for the 24. Having ADHD and being an HSP I appreciate all that this article says, it is a good reminder for me as well because I can tend to get lost and over-explain.

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Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

I'm glad you found it relatable. :)

It's interesting that you'd have gone for 6 choices, I'd have definitely gone for the one with 24. :D

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