Wikepedia defines Analysis Paralysis as over-analyzing (or over-thinking) a situation, so that a decision or action is never taken, in effect paralyzing the outcome.  A decision can be treated as over-complicated, with too many detailed options, so that a choice is never made, rather than try something and change if a major problem arises.  A person might be seeking the optimal or “perfect” solution upfront, and fear making any decision which could lead to erroneous results, when on the way to a better solution.

Any of this sound familiar?  What’s holding you back from taking action?  The fear of failure or the need for perfection? 

“If I do this, then this might happen, or that might happen, or what if this other thing happened. Maybe it would be better if I did this other thing over here.” Analysis paralysis results in a lack of execution.  Nothing gets done.  No movement forward occurs… only because you can’t decide what move makes sense to make.  I struggle with this from time to time.   When I’m finally tired debating with myself, I flip the switch, go with my gut and take immediate action.   Here’s something I recently read that could help you too:

When the ’what-ifs’ are hindering instead of helping, try the following to help you break free.

 1) Instead of being afraid of potential failure, embrace the experience.

If we followed the ‘perfect path’ every time, we’d never really be able to speak to what doesn’t work… and sometimes, that information is just as valuable as what does.  From every life experience, every business venture, every project dared, we learn something about ourselves. We learn what works, what doesn’t. We begin collecting life wisdom that is unique to us.

2) Overcome inertia by picking something.

Do you remember high school physics class? An object at rest tends to stay at rest. An object in motion tends to stay in motion. If you’ve been stuck in analysis-paralysis mode, chances are it’s going to feel like it’ll take a pretty good ‘oomph’ to get you moving. At the risk of making it sound way too simple, there comes a point when you just have to do something.  Choose what feels best to you at the moment, flip a coin, roll a dice… but start somewhere!  You can even make it something very small, but the key is to start somewhere, doing something.

Once you’re in motion, it should get easier.  Keep moving forward, keep asking yourself what you’re learning about yourself, about life, relationships or business.  No matter what path you choose, there are always lessons to be learned. 

Gain your momentum and run with it!