The eye opening experience for me happened when I needed to quickly setup a new kitchen so I went to Wal-Mart and just bought a bunch of cheap stuff as a temporary solution. I ended up being happy with 90% of what I bought and only re-bought a few things. In contrast to the meticulous research I normally do and the higher cost items I usually buy, I was quite surprised.
The realization I had is that I was making my decisions the wrong way. Previously, I had been trying to find "the best item that didn't cost too much". Whereas the criteria should really finding an item "that meets my needs". It doesn't need to be the best, just good enough.
I can now go to a store and pick up whatever random skillet they have without much thought and it works out 90% of the time. Much less stress. And when I do later realize I need something better, I have a better understanding of what I need so it makes shopping easier.