Analysis Paralysis
What is analysis paralysis? Off the top of my head, I would describe analysis paralysis as feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options available, creating considerable difficulty in making a choice, and resulting in a negative reaction. The effects are widespread and substantial: greater anxiety, procrastination, mental fatigue, and the list goes on. So, whether it’s the 8000-plus titles on Netflix, where to go on holiday, or which takeaway to order, the options afforded to many by modern life can be mentally paralysing. How much time do you spend contemplating what show to watch or book to read? Pennies make pounds, and the time spent analysing compounds into minutes, hours, and possibly days.
However, all this said, thinking and analysing situations to maximise the chance you make the correct decision is a good thing, right? Well, yes, but also no. Taking an appropriate amount of time to decide is an important skill. For instance, choosing whether to go to Florida or Istanbul on holiday requires adequate time to decide. Or does it?
Analysing a situation to try and determine the best choice is arguably a fruitless endeavour. Yes, you can research both Florida and Istanbul to see what the algorithm of your web browser spits out or what your work colleague from Turkey tells you. The best time of year for weather, local attractions, and costs. This all seems reasonable, and I’m sure most will do some investigation along these lines. I’d argue that although reasonable, analysing situations beyond the surface, such as affordability, is a net negative task.
Factors including buyers’ remorse, spoiling first impressions by forming pre-conceived ideas before you visit, and analysis paralysis all diminish the potential positive effects of a decision. You’ll never know if you’d have enjoyed the markets of Istanbul over the beaches of Miami. The person you are is always in flux; the person who decides one day is not the same the next. Your previous experiences, your current mood and emotions, what you ate that day, how work was going, and countless other factors combine every second to form the current you, but this you is ephemeral. Constantly shifting and changing, never settled.
Ok, so how can you deal with analysis paralysis? Firstly, focus on the fundamentals only, like can I financially afford to make this decision? Secondly, set a time limit on a decision, whether that be 1 minute or 1 day, and be firm with it. And finally, once you decide, do not go back, and do not give alternatives your energy; the grass is not always greener. Act as quickly as possible and don’t look back.
Following my own advice, I’ve written this blog, checked for spelling/grammar mistakes (there were many), and posted. Please judge it accordingly….
