What to Say When You Talk To Yourself

Analysis paralysis is a state of mind that affects many people. When faced with a task, problem, or decision, the mind begins to overthink solutions, emotionally paralyzing a person from picking and executing an action plan. Often, doubt, hesitation, and procrastination come forward during this immobilizing paralysis. Emotions and the block to momentum and motivation that they cause grow exponentially. Analysis paralysis can cause a person to miss out on achieving goals, even when they are something they deeply care about doing.

Some things to know about analysis paralysis

You are not alone. Our society has enculturated us to overthink. We are afraid of getting things wrong and lack self-trust and self-esteem because we expect ourselves to live up to impossible expectations and don’t.
The desire for the goal or outcome can override the analysis paralysis or make it WORSE. For one, you can want something bad enough that you push through. In the other case, you can want something so bad that your fear of doing it wrong increases and paralysis grows.
You can have analysis paralysis for some tasks and goals, yet not others. Do you find yourself being able to do some tasks and not others? This is normal. Some tasks seem easier for your brain than others. Easy, fun, and familiar tasks require less effort, so you can start and finish them before you even have time to overthink them. You have to care about performance at least a little for the overthinking to come.
You can stop this halting state of mind.

Here is how to stop Analysis Paralysis

Eight strategies to help overcome analysis paralysis:

Set Clear Goals: Know what you want and why and how to measure if it done. Watch my SMART goals videos. Write down your goals. Goals that are written are 11 times more likely to get done. It is probably because you become a witness to yourself. The list not only keeps you accountable but also takes you out of the resistant emotions.
Limit Your Options: Brainstorming is good, but you can cross a line into being overwhelmed if you have too many choices. Try to narrow your options to a manageable number, which can make it easier to compare and decide. See in the video when I talk about making decisions and making that decision your decision.
Establish Deadlines: Set a reasonable timeframe for making your decision. A deadline gives your mind structure and order, which helps prevent procrastination.
Break Down the Problem: Divide the decision into smaller, more manageable steps. Addressing each component separately can simplify the process! Celebrate each step along the way so you stay positive and energized. The small steps add up and create momentum.
Prioritize Your Values: Determine what factors are most important for your decision. By focusing on key criteria, you can evaluate your options. Zoom out and get a big-picture view of the situation. This keeps you out of any negative emotions and has you see with greater perspective, giving you more information.
Ask for Help: People need people! Discussing your options with others can provide new perspectives and insights. It helps you feel seen and not alone. It gives you energy for the task. Consider consulting trusted friends, colleagues, or experts who can offer valuable support and advice.
Embrace Imperfection: Yes! Let go of perfectionism in all its forms! No decision, task, or solution is ever and can never be perfect. Perfect is impossible! Plus, making mistakes is part of the learning process. Shift your mindset to accept imperfection to reduce pressure and start the momentum to move you forward.
Start Before you are Ready: Just do it! Once you’ve gathered sufficient information and weighed your options, decide and take action. Even if it’s not perfect, taking steps toward a solution is often better than remaining stuck in indecision. You’ll feel better and more confident, which will improve your performance.

Using these strategies can help break the cycle of overthinking and lead to more decisive, effective decision-making.

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