“It’s like I need to have a five-star experience all the time, even when it comes to canned beans,” said Barry Schwartz, author of The Paradox of Choice.

It’s like every decision, no matter how small, now requires hours of research—endless scrolling and cross-referencing conflicting opinions, all in the pursuit of the elusive “perfect” option.

Instead of simplifying our lives, making purchases — from goods to experiences — has become an overwhelming process, where the abundance of options creates more stress than satisfaction.

Schwartz offers a refreshing counterpoint: “Being a satisficer is all about looking for ‘good enough’ rather than ‘the best.’ People often feel they’re doing something wrong when they settle. But settling is not a neutral decision. Sometimes you just have to decide that you’re going to get a toaster that’s ‘good enough’ and move on with your life.”

This mindset of finding “good enough” deeply resonates. After dropping the last issue of The New New, Five Favorite Things for 2025, the feedback was remarkable—not just for the specific recommendations but also for the clarity they provided. Many of you skipped the reviews entirely, trusting the curation and moving straight to discovery.

In this issue (below), another recommendation awaits: a guide to cutting the television cord and making your viewing experience free. It’s a focused recommendation for a more elegant solution without endless reviews or comparisons. (It’s the write-up that I wanted before I did hours and hours of research.)

So, what’s next?

The opportunity lies in reimagining how we seek and share recommendations.

The future of recommendations lies not in endless star ratings or algorithmic guesswork but in trusted voices. Imagine a platform where Wirecutter meets your social graph. A space where YouTubers, influencers, and everyday users intersect with your tastes, values, and lifestyle. A place with people who actually use the thing they are recommending for the long haul—not just the quick receive-and-review state we all have to sort through today.

It’s a future where reviews aren’t noise but recommendations—guiding us toward satisficing in the best possible way.

Because, more often than not, done is beautiful.