Susan Gilbert
October 3, 2016

Analysis Paralysis is Not a Friend to Your Business

Do you find that your business has stalled and is not making any progress?

You might be in the midst of over analyzing your efforts.

When it comes to creating content, managing clients, advertising and social media, it’s easy to get caught up in a perfectionist mindset. While preparing and planning are both essential, these two elements can actually slow us down if we are not focused on the right things at the right time.

Bruce Lee said it best: “If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done.”

It’s time for your business to start making a difference in your every day actions and move forward into success.

According to an article on Fast Company, Barry Schwartz, author of “The Paradox of Choice,” the more options we have to manage, the more we can become overloaded. As a result Schwartz points out that “choice no longer liberates, but debilitates. It might even be said to tyrannize.”

Here’s a great illustration on analysis paralysis from the HR Analytics blog:

analysis paralysis

The bottom line is that your business needs a clear focus without being overloaded with needless information. Here are several ways you can overcome frustration and get more done in your day:

Evaluate your current process

The way a business is conducted can be influenced by a number of factors including demographics, the size of your company, cultural backgrounds, etc. Take the time to find out what’s been working and what hasn’t, even if this means meeting with an influencer in your industry who has proven success. Before you can make any changes, you need to know where the problems are happening first.

Take a break

Over thinking can lead to second guessing your decisions, which causes us to be less productive as our working memory is affected. As soon as you become stuck, it’s time to step away. Whatever helps you – whether it be a walk in the park, coffee with a friend or losing yourself in a mindless activity. It’s amazing what other ideas can come into play as soon as you refresh your mind.

Gather a team to help

In order to get all of the things done for your business ,you need to find a good team to support you. This is especially true for solopreneurs. Determine which of your current projects could be delegated elsewhere. Schedule regular brainstorming sessions. When we let go of the controls and allow others to help up us, we have more time for creativity and growing our business.

Get rid of information overload

The Internet and social media has made information more available than ever before. It’s tempting to add too many facts to your research, and that can lead to irrelevance. The goal should be for the information to move your business forward in a focused way. Toss out anything that does not pertain to adding to your bottom line and the growth of your online communities. This is especially true if you are starting something new. Thinking too much about the right time to start with too many scenarios can perpetually put your plans on hold.

Take on one task at a time

You will never get accomplished if all the tasks are marked as importantClick To Tweet

You will never get accomplished if all the tasks are marked as important. The most pressing issues should come first, so let go of the smaller things as these can be tackled later. Ask yourself what is affecting your business growth and productivity right now, and make a plan to take on those issues to completion. Once you have made a decision, avoid second guessing yourself. Mistakes and risk are healthy for business growth.

It’s time to take your business to a new level by moving forward in a productive and focused way. Overcome analysis paralysis with the right support, confidence and a positive outlook.

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Online Marketing with Focus - Let Susan Guide you to Online Success. Especially loves to help Authors, Speakers, Coaches & Entrepreneurs. Susan Gilbert uses her laser focus knowledge to coach and provide online marketing and social sharing programs. Author and publisher of several books including “The Land of I Can,” and “KLOUT SCORE: Social Media Influence,” Susan combines online marketing with strategic thinking. Follow her Digital Marketing Tips at her blog: www.SusanGilbert.com