Breaking Free from Analysis Paralysis: Strategies for Making Decisions with Ease

Kaley Barnhill

Kaley is member of the GLPG marketing team and a contributor to the Current.Read full bio

In a world where our options for clothes, food, and products to buy can feel endless, it’s not surprising that many people struggle with decision-making. Contemplating significant choices, such as accepting a new job offer, is a natural process that warrants thoughtful consideration. However, if you often struggle to make even the most minor decisions, you may be experiencing analysis paralysis.

What is Analysis Paralysis?

Analysis paralysis is when an individual becomes overwhelmed by the abundance of options or information available when making a decision. This overwhelming feeling can lead to a lack of action or indecision, as the person struggles to process all the information or fears making the wrong choice. Essentially, analysis paralysis occurs when someone becomes so focused on gathering and analyzing data that they cannot move forward and take decisive action.

While Analysis Paralysis is not a mental health disorder, it can be a symptom of ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Analysis paralysis is associated with the following traits:

• Self-doubt
• Excessive worry or fear
• Burnout
• Excessive research or opinion-seeking
• Anxiety over even the most basic decisions
• Procrastination or missed deadlines

What is at the root of analysis paralysis?

Situational or personality factors such as perfectionism, fear of failure, overwhelm, low self-confidence, negative past experiences, and differences in decision-making styles can all contribute to analysis paralysis. If you get stuck when it comes time to make a decision, first reflect on which of these factors may  contribute to your indecision.

Tips for Overcoming Analysis Paralysis

If you find yourself consumed by any of the above effects of analysis paralysis, try the following strategies to help you make decisions more easily:

• Make a pros and cons list: This tried and true trick can help you better organize your thoughts and move forward with a decision.

• Give yourself a time limit to make the decision: If you are consistently missing deadlines or working on a decision until the last minute, set your own personal deadline (even if you have an external one) and tell someone about it for accountability.

• When making a big decision, take a break from thinking about it: Burnout can lead to even more issues, so build in time to take a break from thinking about your looming decision. Make time to enjoy an activity with a loved one or exercise to distract yourself.

• Make small decisions quickly: Many of us who suffer from analysis paralysis find even the most minor decisions daunting. Next time you can make a small decision like choosing a new option from a menu or picking the first book that grabs your attention at the bookstore, use this as an exercise in trusting your gut.

• Calm your nervous system: Whether making a significant or  inconsequential decision, anxiety can get in the way. When you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed with anxiety, practice deep breathing or ground yourself with the 5-4-3-2-1 method.

• Work on accepting uncertainty: Using various mindfulness techniques, such as a gratitude list, can help you build more emotional resilience and help you tolerate more uncertainty.

• Talk to a professional: Talking with a therapist can allow you to explore your fears and self-doubt in a safe setting. A therapist can also help you get to the root of your anxiety so you can move on and make decisions more quickly.

Trust Your Instincts

Learning to make decisions easily won’t happen overnight, but overcoming persistent self-doubt and anxiety is a valuable skill. Remember to trust yourself and your needs.

Great Lakes Psychology Group’s large network of therapists is here to help. When you’re ready to take the first step toward improved confidence and well-being, instantly book an appointment with your best-fit therapist at findmytherapist.com.