Satisficing

New word! At least, it was to me. I had never heard it before. Satisficing is a decision-making strategy which attempts to meet criteria for adequacy, rather than identify an optimal solution. In other words, my sons' strategy for taking a test. If you get 60 points and pass, that's good enough.

It came up at the reference desk, in the new faculty orientation meeting as we discussed strategies for helping students reach their full potential, in the staff meeting as we looked at our service goals.

I've thought about that word a lot. I thought about how often I am marking time, waiting for something to happen. Someone to pick me up, some job offer to be extended, some interview to happen, some change that will enable other activities (children reaching a certain age for example). Am I just satisficing my way through life? I don't want to settle for just passing. I want the full shot, the best, the highest, the fullest.

I shall have to give this one some more thought.