Analysis Paralysis

Analysis paralysis is the inability to make a decision. It can be due to several factors. This could be fear of making the wrong decision, overthinking, or too many options. It can happen in a lot of mental health disorders, but most commonly autism, ADHD, anxiety and depression. It can also co- occur with alexithymia. If you do not know what that is, please refer to my other post about it. I will put the link below. I happen to struggle with both. I struggle making decisions all the time and I am tired of people telling me "you must know". I'm sorry, but I don't usually "just know". Analysis paralysis can happen in everyday decisions or in long term decisions. This could be work, home, or life decisions. A lot of the time it happens due to people trying to be perfectionists. This is not my case, but I see that the most. It can also happen due to fear of failure or rejection. I believe that is my reason. In everyday life, this can be looking at a menu or watching a streaming service. I am extremely picky with food, so the menu issue doesn't apply to me, but I have seen it. Similar to that, someone may scroll through a streaming service for an hour and end up not watching anything because nothing seems "perfect". It can also apply to what you wear everyday. Analysis paralysis makes everyday decisions feel extremely overwhelming.

I believe having analysis paralysis for life changing decisions is stressful. This is a big one for me. I have changed my thoughts on my career path multiple times and still do not know what I want to do. It feels like I will never figure it out. This can also happen in relationships. You may decide there are too many deal breakers and end up never finding someone that fits your criteria. I also have seen this apply to travel or even moving. There could be a list of criteria you have and you feel like nothing matches it, so you end up doing nothing. It can apply to many things and make life extremely difficult.

As I write this, I am realizing I haven't even been able to overcome my analysis paralysis. One recommendation I have would be to set a 10 minute timer and maybe take a walk during it to process the decision. I also love pros and cons lists. It may help narrow the options down a bit. I think accepting there are no perfect options is important as well. I would also say start small. Worry about the small things before the big life decisions. I think analysis paralysis makes life really hard for us, but it is possible to power through it and get things done. I am still working on this myself, but I am sure it is possible. If you have any ideas or things that help you, please feel free to share in the comments! Thank you for reading.

Alexithymia link: https://www.fiftyshadesofjade.com/post/what-is-alexithymia