Regret.

[catatia]

Upon reading The Tyranny of Choice by Barry Schwartz, I've determined that my angst about the future of my life is derived from possible future regret in the decisions that I make. I believe the ability to make choices to be one of the most powerful things that we possess, so naturally I would put a lot of emphasis on the outcome of my choices, therefore making choices becomes more difficult. If I make a bad choice I feel as if I should have known better, but if I make a good choice I'm still bound to think that I ought to have found a better one.

Now this only applies to my life to a certain extent. I'm not going to make a big fuss about choosing a brand of eggs or apples to buy, but when the choices become bigger and more expensive (both financially and emotionally) I begin to worry and fret about making the wrong decision.

One example I have is that of moving away after I'm finished with school. I begin to wonder what jobs I might choose, and if those jobs will become careers. What if I begin a career and don't like it? Will I have the guts to begin again, or will I stick with it anyhow. If I move away, will I meet friends that are as good as the ones I already have, or will I end up unhappy and regret the huge decision I made to leave?

I guess these are only a few example of all the future choices I plan to regret making.

Edit: On a somewhat humorous note, I just reread my first ever LiveJournal entry and it fits perfectly into what I've just mentioned.