The Nirvana Fallacy is a cognitive bias that causes people to overestimate the likelihood of achieving a perfect solution.
The name "Nirvana Fallacy" comes from the Buddhist concept of nirvana, which is a state of perfect peace and enlightenment.
The Fallacy occurs when people believe that there is a perfect solution to their problem, and that anything less than perfection is not worth considering.
This can lead to paralysis by analysis, as people become so focused on finding the perfect solution that they never actually take any action.
The Nirvana Fallacy can lead to bad decision making in two ways. First, it can cause us to overlook good solutions in favor of perfect ones. Second, it can cause us to take no action at all, as we become so focused on finding the perfect solution that we never actually get started.
There are two steps you can take to avoid the Nirvana Fallacy in your own life. First, be aware of it. When you're considering a decision, ask yourself if you're falling into the trap of believing that there is a perfect solution.
Second, remember that good enough is often good enough. In most cases, you don't need a perfect solution; a good enough solution will do just fine.
The Nirvana Fallacy is a cognitive bias that can lead to bad decision making. However, by being aware of it, you can avoid it in your own life. Remember that good enough is often good enough, and you'll be on your way to making better decisions.
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