Any time someone mentions a new book that sounds interesting, I put it on a list. Then next time when I want something to read, I pick it from the list based on what still sounds interesting & overall score others have given it.

For Netflix, well maybe it isn't too crazy to spend a bit of time to choose, especially if it's a TV series as you might end up spending hours on it? I find analysis paralysis and setting my bar too high also a useful method to just avoid wasting time watching anything at all.