Have You Ever Had a Hard Time Making a Decision? You May Have Just Experienced Analysis Paralysis.

[KenM9215]

Have you ever had so many choices on a menu that you did not know what to order? Have you ever had so many things on your to-do list that you end up either taking much longer to get started or not doing them at all because you don't know where to begin?

This is called Analysis paralysis or paralysis by analysis and is exactly what it sounds like. 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.

Here are some ways to combat Analysis Paralysis:

1. Try and determine the importance of a decision.

This is probably the most primary way to deal with Analysis Paralysis. If you learn to evaluate the importance of a decision in your life, you would be able to determine and then devote the amount of time it actually requires and deserves. Here are some example questions to ask yourself that might help:

Is this a life-changing decision?
Will the outcome matter after 6 months from now?
What's the worst and the best thing that can happen after deciding?

If you answer yes to the first two questions, give the third question a thought. In the case that it won't be life changing or matter after 6 months, decide quickly and don't look back; it's not a very serious decision anyway.

2. What are the actual objectives behind said decision?

You need to be clear about what your needs are. Let's say you want to buy a car because your old one isn't properly functioning anymore. you're objective is a proper working vehicle. if you don't have an objective, this is where overthinking can start coming into play. Your objective here is functionality, that's what you should look for. That is the objective you intend to achieve when making your decision.

3. Set strict deadlines.

This is nearly if not as crucial as number one and should actually follow up number one.According to the importance, a lot specific time to it. However, if the task is not very important, like buying shoes; decide previously upon a said time, like half an hour. If you can't decide over any one pair of shoes even then, consider deciding not to buy.The aspect of not deciding between two decisions should also be kept open.

If you don't approve or like something just accept that you don't like it, and stop investing time thinking about it. You could also set a reminder or mark the last day of the deadline on a calendar (in case of an important decision). Setting a time would automatically stress your mind to decide faster than you would normally do. A moderate amount of stress or eustress will always churn an efficient outcome. ( eustress is fancy psych talk for positive stress, and yes there is such a thing as positive stress that can be good for you).

4. Don't look for something that is perfect, but is as close as you can get.

This depends heavily on what it is you are making a decision about and should be taken accordingly. A lot of people face Analysis Paralysis because they focus too much on something being perfect. If the decision is a life-changing one, like deciding on the girl (or guy) you would marry; then give the amount of time that that decision deserves. Try to look for something close to perfect, change your perspective towards the situation and try to see another perfect. But, if the decision wouldn't matter much in your life, take it quickly; even if it's awful, okay, or awesome, chances are it's not going to matter after a certain time.

So, look for moderately good, and not your version of perfect.

5. Follow the elimination method.

To make this one short, sweet and to the point, do not focus on the pros, but criticize the cons. You already know what you like about it, look at what you don't like and weigh your options based on that.

6. Once you make your decision, don't look back (Unless for very good reason).

Once again to make this short and sweet, Be firm on your decision. Whatever you decide should be binding upon everything and everyone. You are what decisions you choose to make, so be confident in what you decide, and be confident in yourself!

7.) Also last but not least, go ahead and ask for an opinion.

This is the last thing to do, only in case it's simply impossible for you to make a decision and in case the above steps have not worked thus far. Use this remedy solely for important decisions and not for deciding upon what to wear for a dinner party. A third person, in most cases, has a different perspective of the situation that looks so confusing to you. He/she can surely assist you in choosing an option quicker and in an efficient manner. Also,make sure the person is as unbiased as possible when possible.

[NathanDavis]

nope... I can't afford that

my job is to make decisions