How To Overcome Analysis Paralysis

Our busy lives offer so many choices on a daily basis that it is easy to become overwhelmed.  Some individuals have cognitive disabilities which magnify the problem of overthinking ,such as ADHD, autism and depression. But I think we all get stuck at times. Researching the phrase analysis paralysis  gave me tools to break free.

Analysis paralysis is a colloquial phrase used to describe the feeling of being unable to make a decision due to overthinking a problem. This often happens when you’re dealing with too many variables and continually researching solutions, instead of taking action and making a decision.

 

Why Does This Happen?

• We doubt our abilities, with a mix of fear, to try something new
• We focus on what could go wrong, the fear of failure or fear of missing out on something else
• We strive for perfection and miss opportunities
• We create problems in our minds that aren’t there
• We suffer from decsion fatigue, we avoid the issue or choke

Calming  the Chaos in Our Mind

The Bible has a lot to say about decision making and worry.  Three thing to remember are that we only have ONE day at a time,we can PRAY about our problem and God will answer us.

Matthew 6:34  “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Philippians 4:6   do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Jeremiah 33:3   Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

 

 

Usually we just have too many choices, too many distractions and feel like there is never enough time.  Despite what our society tells us we cannot “do it all”.  So how can we make good decisions and move forward productively?

Six Tips to OVERCOME Analysis Paralysis

• Prioritize your list – what are the most important things?
• Define a goal or clear objective of what needs to be done
• Break down complex steps into smaller ones – A,B,C  etc
• Set deadlines and write them down
• Eliminate extra options
• Ask for input

 

Our God is not the Author of chaos and confusion.  He desires that we live with purpose and direction. He never demands perfection from us but He does ask for obedience. He already knows we are a flawed people but wants us to trust Him and move forward.

Proverbs 3:5–6   Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Jeremiah 6:16   Thus says the LORD: Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.

Sometimes we meet mental resistance because of  our “limiting belief”.  We don’t believe we can do xyz – we don’t really believe God can or wants to help us. But God is greater than our circumstances.  Life can be difficult, problems can be overwhelming and we are busier than we need to be.  Our job to act in faith and move.

Jeremiah 32:17   Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.

Sift Through Cloudy Thinking

Our thinking can be cloudy from too much input and negativity. Use the words from Phillipians 4 to analyze the information you have.  First we need to know what is true, half true, only a maybe, gossip etc.  Focusing on facts and then sort through what you need to do will dissapate some brain fog.

Philippians 4:8    Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Rather than put ourselves through an endless loop of overthinking, we can ask God for wisdom. Worry get us nowhere.  Small steps equal some progress so look at what you can do and DO IT!