4 Important Ways To Tell If You Have Analysis Paralysis

photo credit: Becki Smith House Photo 

If you're anything like 99% of the working world, you're likely suffering from something dubbed analysis paralysis. 

Analysis paralysis or paralysis by 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.

*Plays Stuck in the Middle with You on repeat while staring at computer.*

Do you have it? Here is are four simple questions to ask yourself and get out of your analysis rut. 

1. How much do you rely on Google?

Diamonds may have been a girl's best friend at some point, but Google has swiftly pulled into the lead. But be careful: over-Googling is akin to hoarding. If you're stuck in a hole searching for answers to questions that even the world wide web can't answer, you might be hoarding answers.

And let's face it: you will always find a counter-point to an argument online. That's half of what the internet is for. So stop Googling and start with the search bar within.

"Stop Googling and start with the search bar within." 

Tweet this.

2. When is the last time you made a decision and stuck to it?

It's natural to second guess yourself, especially when you consider the speed at which everything moves. From tech to content we're working at seriously rapid paces. But if you're constantly playing teeter-totter with your decisions, it's not only hindering your productivity, but it's also hurting your brand. Sticktuitiveness doesn't only apply to toughing it out and seeing a project though. It also applies to making up your mind and sticking to a tough decision.

Leaders make decisions. Period.  

3. How much of your day is spent receiving and managing information vs. doing your job?

Email has presented a bit of a paradox. Sure, it makes getting sh*t done easier than ever, but it also means managing your inbox is a full time job. In order to move the needle, there must be a point during the day when you don't check your email and you simply do the work. And if you need help figuring out how to do that-- check out how these 5 bosses handle their inboxes. 

4. Are you always in search of a *better* solution?

This is tricky because on the surface, better is "better."  But sometimes the "best" solution is the available one. Some people are forever in search for other, so-deemed better alternatives. But if the hunt for "better" prevents you from nailing down a solution, it's no solution at all. And *perhaps most importantly* studies have shown that this kind of behavior can lead to depression, perfectionism and regret.

Do you feel paralyzed? Chime in below and let us know. We'll respond with helpful tips. (We think.)

MORE FROM OUR BLOG