Procrastination can be a stress response or a form of avoidance. While fear can play a role, I’ve recently realized how information overload can turn into procrastination. Sometimes I’m not avoiding a task, I’m overwhelmed by it.
Information overload, decision fatigue, and analysis paralysis can fuel procrastination. A recent plane ticket purchase reminded me how too much information can easily turn into confusion.
Trying to Get a Good Deal
It started with good intentions and a reasonable goal: I wanted to buy airline tickets at what I considered a good rate.
I wanted to be smart about it:
- I took a free course from an Instagram influencer on traveling in luxury using credit card points.
- I subscribed to travel and rewards‑points newsletters (The Points Guy and Daily Drop) for tips.
- I looked at my existing credit card rewards and explored transferring points.
- I checked various airlines and travel sites to compare fares.
- I tracked flights, set up price alerts, and watched fares fluctuate.
In the process, I learned some helpful information and some, not so much.
While I may have multiple rewards cards, not all airlines partner with each one. Only American Express, for instance, transfers to Delta, so I couldn’t combine my points. And since not all flights offer point redemption, even if I could combine points it wouldn’t matter. I also didn’t want to take on the high annual fees that the best travel cards usually charge, nor was I interested in opening any new accounts.
From Research to Overwhelm
After understanding how points work and realizing I wouldn’t be using any, I still had to choose the actual flights.
The cheaper flights had multiple layovers, and seat comfort reviews on long flights led me to higher-priced options. I also looked into connecting airports, suggested minimum layover times, travel duration, departure times and arrival windows.
On top of imagining different scenarios was the pressure of waiting too long to buy, and the uncertainty of prices dropping or continuing to spike.
By this point, my brain felt like my browser, with too many tabs open.
The Cost of Overthinking
I felt the pressure of choosing well, getting a good deal, and a ticking clock, all while trying to manage the risk of waiting too long and the fear of missing out. Eventually, I got to the point where I almost didn’t care anymore. After all that time and mental energy, I just wanted to be done, and with a nudge from my husband, I finally clicked “Purchase.”
Ironically, what started as an attempt to save money ended up costing more, draining me of time, energy, and peace of mind.
This experience showed me that procrastination can stem from information overload. Instead of gaining clarity, I felt confused.
When I finally bought the tickets, I felt relieved… not because I found the perfect deal, but because the weight of overthinking had lifted.
Sometimes “good enough” really is good enough.
