4 Secrets to Unlocking ‘Analysis Paralysis’

Before we get into these secrets I’m promising…. what is ‘analysis paralysis’?

It’s that state of mind you get into where you have so fully overwhelmed yourself with options, through a massive analysis of circumstances and potential circumstances, that you start to doubt yourself…

…and then the rumination begins…

…followed shortly by inertia and stagnation.

You know what I’m talking about right?

It’s like packing a parachute and taking ten whole days to climb mountain, assessing every step, thinking about where each rope needs to be set, deciding on the risks. All that effort. Assessing each step. Each risk.

And then you reach the top after ten days of gruelling climbing. The reward is there for the taking. You just have to jump and enjoy the parachute ride you’ve been dreaming about.

But you can’t jump. You can not take that last step.

 

 

In this moment, you are:

• Looking for all the reasons why NOT
• Scanning for past failures
• Assessing risks
• Doubting yourself
• Keeping yourself safe

 

But what are the costs of that?

• How many times have you already talked yourself out of potentially life and career changing opportunities?

 

• How much anxiety of you caused yourself by getting struck with paralysing fear?

 

• How are you regarded in terms of your decision making capability?

 

So, if you usually get to a point where you’ve reached the tip of your mountain, but something is stopping you at the 11th hour, you need to know my 4 secrets to unblock this pattern…

 

 

Secret 1: Challenge Your Assumptions

What painful assumptions are you making about your next step ?

Is it a fear? A feeling of what if I make a mistake?

There’s something in the back of your brain telling you there will be some pain if you take that leap… identify it!

 

Secret 2: Go Big Picture

Forget about the minute detail – that is what is keeping you stuck. Go much bigger picture. To the level of PURPOSE.

Ask yourself: what are you attempting to achieve ultimately? How will it benefit others?

 

Secret 3: How Much More?

Getting stuck in the perfection trap is a killer. How much more data do you really need to make your decision?

• Do you believe there is only one right way to do something?
• Do you think the finished outcome must be perfect before it is indeed complete?
• What if you took that next step knowing it was going to be imperfect? Then what? So what?

 

Secret 4: Just Take a Step

Ask – what is a potential step away from here ?

You’re not looking for The Oracle’s answer to this question and seeking THE ONLY SINGULAR possible first step.

A step. Any step. Any potential step. Any potential small step….

See how you go!

Rebecca x

 

 

Rebecca Allen, Chief Illumination Officer of Illuminate Personal Growth, works with professional women to help them take their careers to the next level. If you are feeling underwhelmed by your lack of career progress, looking for support and encouragement and keen to learn new skills to improve your prospects, then you’re in the right place. We provide online career courses, courses for women, live workshops and leadership trainings in Sydney as well as 1-1 executive coaching. Check out our signature virtual course The Career Accelerator Game Plan – in 6 weeks you could be in a whole new place!

All content is copyrighted. Should you wish to copy the whole or part of this article you must request this and wait to receive approval in writing.