When It’s Extremely Hard to Choose
当选择举步维艰时
词汇：六级 | 句法：四级（高考）| 文本：六级
刘立军 供稿
A substantial part of our lives is often consumed by difficult choices. Should we stay in our relationship with someone or leave to explore new possibilities? What if we find no one better? What if the relationship never improves? Should we buy a beautiful property near railway tracks or a quieter, less charming one? Should we take a prestigious job with potential for a stellar future, or remain where we are because we love our colleagues and enjoy a high quality of life?
我们生活中的很大一部分时间，常常为艰难的选择而纠结。我们应该维持一段关系还是离开去探索新的可能性？如果我们找不到更好的人怎么办？如果这段关系始终没有改善又该怎么办？我们应该购买一处靠近铁路轨道但漂亮的房产，还是选择一个更为安静但不那么吸引人的住宅？我们应该接受一份声望高、未来前景好的工作，还是留在原地，因为我们热爱我们的同事，而且生活品质也很高？
The struggle with these decisions often stems from the fear that a wrong choice could lead to disaster, while the right choice could bring exceptional fulfillment.
在面对这些决定时的挣扎往往源于一种恐惧：害怕错误的选择可能会导致灾难，而正确的选择则可能带来极致的满足感。
However, we might be suffering unnecessarily. Adopting two strategic ways of thinking — one optimistic and one pessimistic — can offer reassurance. From an optimistic perspective, these choices are difficult because all options have something valuable to offer. The difficulty arises from choosing between equally appealing alternatives. If we stay with our current partner, there is much to celebrate. If we find someone else, they too will have their charms. Both potential homes are pleasant in unique ways, and both job options offer satisfaction. Whichever path we choose, there will be much to enjoy.
然而，我们可能正在承受不必要的痛苦。采用两种战略性思维方式便能获得慰藉：一种是乐观的，另一种是悲观的。从乐观的角度来看，这些选择之所以困难，是因为所有选项都各有价值。困难在于要在几个同样吸引人的选项之间做取舍。如果我们选择与现在的伴侣继续在一起，有许多值得庆祝的事情；如果我们遇到了其他人，他们也会有自己独特的魅力。两个候选的住宅各有各独特的惬意，而两个工作也都能带来满足感。无论我们选择哪条道路，都会有诸多值得享受的时刻。
Conversely, a pessimistic perspective can also provide comfort. We often believe that a wise choice will help us avoid a nightmare, but realistically, each option has its own challenges. We struggle to choose because every path has its unavoidable disappointments. Our current partner may be annoying, but so might any new partner. Everyone has their flaws. No house can make life perfect, and dissatisfaction will accompany us regardless of where we live. Similarly, the frustrations we experience in our current job will have parallels in any new position. Essentially, every option is bound to be somewhat imperfect — a truth we often deny in our desperate search for the ‘right choice’.
相反，悲观视角也可以带来一定的慰藉。我们常常认为一个明智的选择将帮助我们避免噩梦般的结局，但现实是，每个选项都有其自身的挑战。我们之所以在选择上挣扎，是因为每条道路都有不可避免的遗憾。当前的伴侣可能令人恼火，但新的伴侣也可能如此。每个人都有他们的缺点。没有一所房子能让生活完美无缺，不论住在哪里，不满情绪都会伴随我们。同样地，我们在目前工作中所经历的挫折，在任何新的职位上也可能会遇到类似的困扰。本质上，每个选项注定会有一些不完美之处，这是我们在急切寻找“正确选择”时往往会否认的事实。
The pain of decision-making is largely fueled by an illusion: the belief that one perfect solution exists that can guarantee happiness or avoid unhappiness. This exaggerates our sense of control. Once we realize that, after spending hours deliberating, any choice we make will be both somewhat satisfying and somewhat disappointing, we may become less anxious and fearful. We can relax more easily, knowing that joy and pain are always nearby. We might even let a roll of the dice decide our path. 决策的痛苦在很大程度上源于一种错觉：那就是相信存在一个完美的解决方案，能确保我们收获幸福、避开不幸。这种想法夸大了我们对生活的掌控力。一旦我们意识到，在经过数小时的深思熟虑后，无论我们做出什么选择，结果都会既能令人满意又，也就伴随些许遗憾，我们可能就会变得不那么焦虑和害怕。我们可以更加轻松，知道快乐和痛苦总是如影随形。我们甚至不妨掷骰子来决定我们的道路。
By recognizing that all choices come with both positive and negative aspects, we can alleviate the pressure of decision-making. Understanding that no choice will be perfect allows us to embrace the uncertainty and complexity of life, finding peace in the knowledge that every path has its own mix of challenges and rewards.
通过认识到所有选择都有利有弊，我们可以减轻做决策的压力。明白没有一个选择是完美的，这使我们能够坦然接受生活的不确定性和复杂性，并在知道每条道路都有其独特的挑战和回报中寻得内心的平静。
【词汇】
1. stellar adj. 杰出的，优秀的
2. conversely adv. 相反地
3. dissatisfaction n. 不满，不满意
4. deliberate v. 仔细考虑，深思熟虑
5. dice n. 骰子
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