Siddharth Saoji 
We face countless decisions every day—from choosing which laptop to buy to deciding on a career change or selecting where to live. Yet there’s a fundamental distinction we often overlook in those decisions: the difference between what is objectively “best” and what is best for you.
The Default Trap
Most of us unconsciously default to seeking “what’s best” in general. We read reviews, check ratings, and follow popular recommendations. This approach feels safe and well-researched because it’s backed by abundant documentation and collective wisdom. But here’s the problem: we end up solving someone else’s problem, not our own.
When we choose based on what’s best for the average person, we’re essentially adopting solutions designed for circumstances that may be entirely different from ours. Your budget, life stage, specific needs, and unique constraints make you anything but average.
The Missing Question
The most critical step—one we frequently skip—is asking: What problem am I actually trying to solve?
Without clarity on your specific problem, you’ll get stuck choosing for reasons that won’t benefit you. You’ll optimize for the wrong variables and wonder why the “best” choice doesn’t feel right.
A Simple Example
Consider this: most people would say the iPad is the “best” tablet. But if your primary goal is reading books, a Kindle might be better for you. The iPad might partially solve your reading problem while excelling at things you don’t need. The Kindle, however, would fully solve your actual problem—even if it can’t do everything else.
This is the essence of personalized decision-making: optimizing for your specific use case rather than trying to find one solution that does everything reasonably well.
When It Matters Most
While it might be acceptable to go with popular choices for smaller decisions (like buying everyday household items), the stakes are too high for major life decisions to rely on generic “best” recommendations, examples include:
Career moves - Your skills, values, and life goals are unique
University selection - Your learning style, financial situation, and career aspirations matter
Where to live - Your lifestyle preferences, family needs, and work requirements are personal
Major purchases - Your usage patterns and priorities differ from the average buyer
Understanding what’s best for you requires investment in both research and experimentation. Some decisions allow for low-cost experimentation—like trying different foods for diet plan. Others, like career changes demand substantial upfront research because the cost of trial and error is high. The key is matching your approach to the decision’s stakes and your ability to reverse course.
The Path Forward
Before your next significant decision: define your specific problem clearly, identify your unique constraints, and research solutions designed for your situation. Accept that the perfect solution for you might be imperfect in other areas.
This is mindful, conscious decision-making. What’s best for you will generally differ from what’s best for the average person—and that’s exactly how it should be.