Paralysis by analysis, when thinking too much blocks us

Excessive thinking or rumination about a situation can lead to paralysis by analysis, which will prevent you from taking action.

Surely on more than one occasion you have experienced what is known as paralysis by analysis.. That situation in which you ruminate thoughts in your mind hoping to take them into action, something that ends up not happening. But why doesn’t this happen to all people? What happens so that you end up experiencing paralysis by analysis? This is what we are going to respond to throughout this article.

Something that we must keep in mind before delving deeper into this concept is that Paralysis by analysis can occur in any context, whether work, relational, or even educational. (as the article points out Analysis of the barriers to organizational learning from the perspective of educational centers). Therefore, its presence in different areas makes it necessary for us to address paralysis by analysis with due importance.

Paralysis by analysis in different areas

Paralysis by analysis can not only prevent us from taking action, but also from making quick decisions.. This, as the study points out Retailers at the base of the pyramid , It causes a significant delay that slows down the progress of any company.

We can all remember a situation in our lives where a late decision led to the loss of a great opportunity.. This in the organizational sector is even more important if possible.

Quick decisions make us competent and flexible to adapt to any unexpected circumstance. However, doubts, fear, and the inability to manage anxiety in a situation like this are counterproductive.

The blockade in education

Another area in which paralysis by analysis usually manifests itself is in education.. This is due to the way it is taught in educational centers today. Students are given a large amount of information that they must assimilate without allowing them time to develop their critical thinking and creativity.

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Additionally, the pressure of grades and parents can cause concern about results is so exaggerated that it causes analysis paralysis. All this due, without a doubt, to the impossibility of achieving perfection.

Paralysis in relationships

Today, we can be aware of how much paralysis by analysis is present in relationships. Despite not being comfortable with the person who is our partner, our thoughts begin to “fight” with each other because two sides are formed: those who want to take action and those who justify what has happened by making us feel guilty.

To all this we must add those beliefs that we have or fears (fear of loneliness, of being without a partner, of being left without friends, etc.) that make paralysis by analysis become increasingly present. This prevents us from making any decision other than staying as we are.

“Over the years I have discovered that too much information is worse than too little.”

-Zygmunt Bauman-

Can you get out of analysis paralysis?

Paralysis by analysis can be managed in a way that stops it from intervening in our lives.. But, to do this, we must carry out a series of steps. These will help us deal with all that information that flutters through our minds and whose rumination prevents us from taking action.

Limit the number of options: If we are stuck due to an excess of information, it is necessary to choose two or three options and analyze them carefully. For example, if we are looking for where to do our master’s internship, making a list and sticking to only three companies will help us avoid paralysis by analysis.Choose the first reasonable option: Even though it may not be completely perfect or ideal, opting for what we have said “yes” to at first is a good opportunity to get out of the blockage.Set a deadline: In the event that we are unable to get out of paralysis by analysis, we can set a deadline on the calendar where we must execute the action no matter what.Look at the situation from another point of view: We can think about how we would advise a person who was in the same situation as us to act. Even talking to close people who allow us to have another point of view.Think about the consequences: Focusing on what can happen if we don’t make a quick decision (loss of opportunity to get a job) can help us shorten that deadline and take action much sooner.

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In what areas do you usually suffer from paralysis by analysis? Have you used any of these options to get out of that block that prevented you from taking action? We hope that this article allows you to clarify some ideas. If you find yourself unable to get out of this situation on your own, do not hesitate to ask for professional help.