Ask HN: Tools for rational decision making?

Someone stole my phone 2 weeks ago.

I could have walked across the street and purchased any of the 50+ models the store had on display, in under an hour. But I had specific requirements (USB-C, NFC) and didn't want to spend over $200.

I spent over 10 hours searching for a replacement online. I found a good candidate, and a store in my city appeared to have it in stock. So I spent 15 minutes trying to memorize how to get there, walked for over an hour to get there (didn't want to pay $2 for a ride), waited 30 minutes until an employee became available, asked if they had the phone in stock, and learned they they didn't. I then walked back home, got lost, and eventually arrived 2 hours later. I then started my search over, slightly tweaking my criteria.

After 2 weeks without a phone, over 20 hours of research, and visiting 5 different stores, I finally bought a replacement. It's second hand, not exactly state of the art, and I just just found out the vibration motor is broken. But it's too late to return it, as I already left the country. I probably would still be searching for a phone if I didn't have a flight yesterday as a hard deadline.

I'm now looking to buy a case for it. I must have spent 4 hours on this already. Today, I'll visit a few different stores to see if they have it. I found a few online, but shipping makes it expensive and inconvenient.

I do this all the time. Every decision, big or small, is treated as if it's a matter of life or death. I can't seem to make a decision without a non-arbitrary external deadline. I'm doing 99% exploration and 1% exploitation. I value my time at 0.

How do you make rational decisions? What if they're complex? When do you stop? Do you use any tools?