Paralysis by Analysis

Analysis by paralysis is basically defined as over-thinking or analyzing a situation, until you don’t or can’t actually take action. So we don’t get done what needs doing.

First Step

The first action we need to take when we get to this state is acknowledge it. I know I sound like a twelve step program. But hopefully this will help. By acknowledging that we have created a situation in our minds that is so tangled and overwhelmed; we can begin to approach it differently. If you need to take a break from whatever project you are doing to give your brain a few minutes (or days maybe) to reset.

Second Step

Second, we need to approach what we are doing in smaller, more manageable bites. You can’t eat the 12 oz steak in one bite. So it is unlikely you will be able to get your craft room, for example, done in a hot minute. Each project you embark on has smaller steps. By taking just 1 of those steps and accomplishing it, you will help get past your paralysis.

In our example of the craft room clean out, something like gathering all of one type of supply. Or you can make piles of each type of craft. For instance then you would have a pile for painting, then another for paper, etc. This would allow you to then sort through each of the crafts in their entirety. Instead of trying to piece meal it together.

Third Step

Next, we want to create time blocks to do things in. This will help you focus but also keep you from being wishy-washy (yes that’s a technical term) in decision making. If in your craft room clean out, for example, you give yourself 1 hour to sort through your painting supplies. Then you will likely make quicker, firmer decisions, than you would in lets say 5 hours or an open ended time frame.

Finally

Finally I strongly recommend, doing 1 thing, doing it well and moving on to the next as I talked about here. You don’t have to know exactly what the end game is each and every time. Instead just take it one bite at a time and you will get it done.

Remember if you do nothing, it will all still be there. But if you do SOMETHING than you have taken a step in the right direction.

I wanted to talk about this today because it is a HUGE issue for me. As a perfectionist, I can get into this mode quickly. It drives me crazy too! Because I just want to accomplish the goal. But I also want it to be perfect, and often those don’t go together. Do you suffer from analysis paralysis? If so leave me your best tips!