This is such an insightful take on analysis paralysis Malick. It’s so true that the fear of making the “wrong” choice can be more paralyzing than the choice itself. I really love the idea of streamlining decisions and creating a bottleneck for possibilities—it makes so much sense to focus on the most important factors first. What has been the most effective strategy for you personally when overcoming analysis paralysis?
Thank you for taking your time to contribute to the conversation Karen! I really do appreciate it. You've put me on the spot with which I find the most effective strategy because I would say they very much feed into each other. Being decisive and having my personal deadlines works hand in hand as I ensure that the actions I take provide clarity for my next steps and prevents that analysis paralysis.
However, I would say trusting my intuition, which allows me to create that bottleneck, is arguably the most important. To me that comes before the other solutions that reside above it, as it is less so about 'how' you do something specifically but what you attend to first? I hope that answers your question.
I think, oh no here we go, for the overthinking if we stay in the present moment, which is very hard for me to do- it was great in my career as an ICU nurse you had to think four steps ahead for sure, but not so much in my personal life- but part of that really does help.
As far as the perfectionism, the big thing for me is not being so critical and hard on myself when I don't get something the way I think it "should be".
I think that we're doing the best we can with what we have at the time that we have it.
Of course we can look back and say I wish I had done this differently. When I look back at the things I've written, because I'm not a writer, I go oh my gosh I can't believe I wrote that and I want to delete it ...but instead, I leave it there and realize the progress that I've made .
That was a little lengthy, but I hope it answered your question 😉
Thank you so much for sharing Kathleen, you have given brilliant advice. I knew it was in there, just had to probe a little bit. 😂
I wholeheartedly agree with the points on overthinking and perfection. For overthinking, it's often championed when you can think far ahead and in most cases it is useful for our careers, however for our personal life it can get in the way of slowing down and keeping things simple.
As for perfectionism, I always say that we cannot have regrets if we have done the best we can with what we have, and that pertains to resources and knowledge. As you said, it is a sign of progress when we look back and identify areas of improvement, and trust me sometimes I also surprise myself with my old writing. 😂
To say you answered the question would certainly be an understatement, you're pioneering self-reflection at this point. 🫡
It's successful through iteration--so it's like hyping yourself up. It takes repeating, but it leads to the decision being made, the leap being taken, etc. :)
This is such an insightful take on analysis paralysis Malick. It’s so true that the fear of making the “wrong” choice can be more paralyzing than the choice itself. I really love the idea of streamlining decisions and creating a bottleneck for possibilities—it makes so much sense to focus on the most important factors first. What has been the most effective strategy for you personally when overcoming analysis paralysis?
Thank you for taking your time to contribute to the conversation Karen! I really do appreciate it. You've put me on the spot with which I find the most effective strategy because I would say they very much feed into each other. Being decisive and having my personal deadlines works hand in hand as I ensure that the actions I take provide clarity for my next steps and prevents that analysis paralysis.
However, I would say trusting my intuition, which allows me to create that bottleneck, is arguably the most important. To me that comes before the other solutions that reside above it, as it is less so about 'how' you do something specifically but what you attend to first? I hope that answers your question.
Indeed it does Malick. Sorry I put you on the spot. I always ask questions and then someone stumped me today. :)
No problem Karen, that's what we are here for after all. 😂
I like to set my own targets and deadlines :)
Likewise, it can really put tasks into perspective!
I’m a recovering Overthinker and perfectionist 🤔
Glad to hear Kathleen! What advice would you give to fellow recovering overthinkers and perfectionists?
stop it!
That's what my mentor would say to me.
I think, oh no here we go, for the overthinking if we stay in the present moment, which is very hard for me to do- it was great in my career as an ICU nurse you had to think four steps ahead for sure, but not so much in my personal life- but part of that really does help.
As far as the perfectionism, the big thing for me is not being so critical and hard on myself when I don't get something the way I think it "should be".
I think that we're doing the best we can with what we have at the time that we have it.
Of course we can look back and say I wish I had done this differently. When I look back at the things I've written, because I'm not a writer, I go oh my gosh I can't believe I wrote that and I want to delete it ...but instead, I leave it there and realize the progress that I've made .
That was a little lengthy, but I hope it answered your question 😉
My pleasure Malick, anytime sir 🙏
Thank you so much for sharing Kathleen, you have given brilliant advice. I knew it was in there, just had to probe a little bit. 😂
I wholeheartedly agree with the points on overthinking and perfection. For overthinking, it's often championed when you can think far ahead and in most cases it is useful for our careers, however for our personal life it can get in the way of slowing down and keeping things simple.
As for perfectionism, I always say that we cannot have regrets if we have done the best we can with what we have, and that pertains to resources and knowledge. As you said, it is a sign of progress when we look back and identify areas of improvement, and trust me sometimes I also surprise myself with my old writing. 😂
To say you answered the question would certainly be an understatement, you're pioneering self-reflection at this point. 🫡
Great post. I try to overcome analysis paralysis but shifting to a "just do it, none of this is that big of a deal" mindset :)
Thank you Sheridan. That is very powerful, mindset is at the root of overcoming adversity and giving ourselves that extra push.
How often would you say that shift in mindset is successful and what would you do if it isn't?
It's successful through iteration--so it's like hyping yourself up. It takes repeating, but it leads to the decision being made, the leap being taken, etc. :)
That's a great way of overcoming analysis paralysis, we have to be our biggest cheerleaders!