The temptation to get it all right and gather every last bit of information before making a decision may also be a stalling technique, disguised as thoughtful consideration and due diligence. While the process feels familiar and the typical way you attack a problem or even make a purchase, lengthy timelines can be exhausting and frustrating to you and others. It helps to understand if this is an avoidance trap based on fear or a belief that sufficient research is necessary in order to always determine the best outcome. While fast tracking some choices may be appropriate, speed isn’t always the best approach. So, how can you shift your perspective and become more comfortable with less detail and avoid analysis paralysis?
According to recent neuroscience research, the brain is in an argument, and even the most mundane choices spark the internal debate. Selecting a breakfast cereal, for example may mean a back and forth from what you want to what is healthy to what’s the cost. Add to that the emotion of childhood, perhaps not being permitted to have sugary cereals and we’re galloping down memory lane dragging along another layer of emotion. While it’s unlikely that you will spend hours in the grocery aisle, especially now, debating the merits of products, our brains are operating constantly to manage our thoughts. It can be exhausting and the more we notice our process and how overwhelming it feels, sometimes any choice is better than none.
“No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it. We must learn to see the world anew.” ~ Albert Einstein
Planning a new approach to problem solving and decision making requires a leap of faith in the beginning. Streamlining your approach takes practice and being somewhat uncomfortable with change. For example, choosing a new career path is quite different than planning your next vacation or deciding which laptop best fits your needs. Start small.
Identify the decision/problem to solve
What information do you need?
Do you require help in getting that data?
Identify potential resources
Ask for support
Create a timeline with a completion date
Quite often the first step, no matter how seemingly minor, creates more energy to continue. Build confidence with less important matters so that you can devote more time and effort to those weightier decisions.
We make hundreds of small decisions daily. Not every choice will be the best one. You may second guess your final, carefully selected option or revel in the result. Remember, there’s a finite amount of time and getting stuck in the details prevents you from moving forward. With practice and planning you will become more comfortable with a revised approach to problem solving: analysis, minus any ensuing paralysis.
Changing behaviors means identifying what’s not working and shift or replace with a new behavior. Whether it’s scripting new negotiating models or better managing your time, we can advise and guide your progress. This makes it the ideal time to engage the support of a career coach with experience in helping professionals achieve better, faster, results. At KICKSTART Your Transition we offer a broad range of services to fit your needs
©MWeisner2020
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