Paralysis by analysis means that you are thinking about a problem too much. It can mean that you are overcome with a certain problem that it consumes your life. The best way to overcome it is to stop thinking about it for a while so that you can get your mind back on track.
I believe this means that someone has been diagnosed with paralysis. Therefore, the most important thing about this topic is the diagnosis of paralysis. Paralysis changes someone’s life completely.
It’s time to get down to the raw, honest, and real-deal nitty-gritty on this topic. I got with quite a few passionate people interested in sharing their ideas with you and this article is an interview-style approach to helping you regain control of your time.
Topic at Hand: Paralysis By Analysis
[This article is part of the research done for the book: “Push the Damn Button” a straight-forward guide to getting off your butt and getting goals done – click here to check it out.]
R: What would someone really get out of this?
I: Learning how to make decisions more quickly and accurately is the most crucial benefit. Another benefit is using time more effectively by understanding when analysis crosses the line into over-analysis. A third benefit is improving overall quality of life by reducing the use of paralysis by analysis as a procrastination technique.
R: Assume the change from this subject is super-important, how could it help someone change their life?
I: It’s important to know about the phenomenon of ‘Paralysis by Analysis’ because it can stop you from moving forward in both your work and personal life. When working, for example, if you continually analyze something then it cannot be taken to the next step and progress can’t be properly made, or at least not at the same rate that it should be. At some point, you just have to make a decision and move on, remembering that you can always come back to this point if necessary. In personal life it can cause social anxiety and general stress by constant over analysis of conversation and of what others think. A life can be changed for the better by preventing paralysis by analysis.
R: Explain what about this subject could help people be just all around better.
I: Being able to tell when you are too involved with something can help you grow as a person. Paralysis by analysis means that you are too involved and need to take some time away. Taking a vacation could help get your mind straight and back on track.
R: Describe the perfect person that is a shining example of this topic, in your opinion.
I: People in the corporate world know paralysis by analysis all too well. They know about hitting deadlines and what can happen when they over extend themselves. Sometimes it helps to ask for help from others, which can help lessen the burden of too much analysis in your workplace.
R: Think back to your past friends, coworkers, and family – is there anyone who could use help with this subject?
I: Analysis paralysis is not that complex of a concept but it seems that those with a limited grasp of basic psychology might have trouble understanding what this topic is about. Those without developed abstract thought capabilities, i.e. the very young, might have trouble grasping what this topic is or those with lower levels of education, though low education does not mean low intelligence.
R: Start planning for tomorrow by letting us know how this topic could be more present in your daily life.
I: Over analyzing something is a way of distancing ourselves from it because we’re afraid to make a mistake. It does not allow you to be in the flow of life where things happen fairly easily once set into motion. So do your information gathering for a certain amount of time that you’ve established ahead of time, review it, and then let yourself make a choice and jump in. You’ll soon know if you’ve made the right choice and you can also realize that you can choose again if you need to.
R: What parts of the daily routine are best for making this subject more useful?
I: Paralysis by analysis means that you’re thinking too much. This can be detrimental when you spend all of your time thinking instead of taking action. Sometimes we over analyze situations because deep down we are afraid of taking action. This is why deadlines are necessary for every project at some point you have to stop thinking and start doing.
R: Seems like there are good times and bad times to bring this one up. When’s a really BAD time, do you think?
I: Although over-thinking is something that many people do, when someone is in the midst of it, it doesn’t feel that way. They think they are being rational. So, avoid bringing up this problem with them in the midst of their overthinking.
R: Give us an example of a good place to bring this subject into daily life.
I: Analysis paralysis or paralysis of analysis is the state of 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.
R: Give an example of where folks should not be working on this subject.
I: If you were in a meeting with a group of peers and you had spent weeks preparing a presentation but not preparing a speech or outline. You may have all the facts but unable to deliver them in an effective way. Paralysis by analysis is not just a myth, it is real.
R: Who’s someone (or group) you think could gain a bunch from learning more about this topic?
I: People who are lawyers could be good at paralysis by analysis. Sometimes they may over analyze a case to a point where they cannot even understand it any more. Sometimes just backing away from a case and thinking about it logically can help when this happens.
R: Got any advice for us on this topic? The readers are hungry!
I: Do not over-think. Use the information at hand to make the best decision possible. However, do not add information; only use what is present. Over analyzing a situation will drive a person mad.
R: Give me an idea of something people should avoid in learning more about this topic.
I: Paralysis By Analysis means over thinking, and leading to indecisive decision making. People should avoid over analyzing the topic, and just take it easy. From personal experience, over analyzing leads to assuming things before they happen, and ending up not doing anything at all.
R: If you had to do just one thing *right now* to get better at this subject, what would it be?
I: Do not over think things. It is best to go with the flow and be in the moment. Too many times, our brain over analyzes and makes us hesitate. Be aware of your mind but follow your heart.
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Come on now! Aren’t you fired up and ready to get more done in life? There’s at least one golden pearl of wisdom (or is that nugget of pearl?) to take away. See how you can apply it to your life today and start getting more stuff done. There’s just ain’t enough time to dilly-dally, folks!
It’s time to get off that chair, get your butt pumped, and get more important stuff done in life! It’s time to Push The Damn Button already. Click here to regain control of the minutes floating away from your life.
Please feel free to share your thoughts, comments, or personal life-changing wisdom below.