Overthinking: How to Escape Analysis Paralysis
In this article, I'll be talking about how I learned to overcome overthinking: simple steps to move forward with clarity and confidence.
You know that feeling of being stuck? Frozen by endless options, drowning in data, and haunted by the fear of making the wrong choice? It’s like quicksand for your mind—you struggle, you sink deeper.
This, my friends, is analysis paralysis. And if you’ve ever been there (who hasn’t?), you know how exhausting it is.
I’ve seen this play out time and again—whether in startups, enterprises, or consulting—and, truth be told, I’ve been there myself in my 17 years in the workplace. So, here are a few tried-and-tested recommendations to help you break free and move forward.
Define What Success Looks Like
How do you know you’re making the right decision if you don’t know what success looks like? Whether it’s customer satisfaction, hitting a deadline, or simply clearing your mind, define it. Put a name to it.
Clarity is the antidote to overthinking. Once you know where you’re headed, the next steps often become obvious.
Small Steps Over Giant Leaps
You don’t need to solve everything in one go. James Clear’s Atomic Habits teaches us the power of small, consistent actions—what he calls “atomic” steps. Think minimum viable product: launch, test, learn, refine. Watch James Clear summarizing the Atomic Habits framework:
Lay one stone at a time instead of stressing about levitating the entire bridge into existence. It’s progress over perfection. Always.
Deadlines Are Your Best Friend
If decisions love deadlines, overthinking hates them. Set a timer for yourself: 10 minutes, an hour, a day—whatever fits the decision. Give yourself a clear window to gather the essentials, and then decide.
Remember, no one ever made progress by waiting for the stars to align.
The 80/20 Rule: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Here’s a secret that will save you time and sanity: 20% of your efforts drive 80% of your results. Stop drowning in unnecessary details. Focus on the small handful of actions or information that will make the biggest impact. Everything else? Let it go.
Don’t Do It Alone
Overthinking loves isolation. It thrives in those echo chambers of your own mind.
Break out of it. Delegate where you can, talk things out with trusted colleagues, or seek fresh perspectives. A conversation can often bring the clarity you couldn’t find alone.
Use Tools to Simplify Decisions
Sometimes, you just need a system. Frameworks like the WRAP method or the Eisenhower Matrix are like mental GPS—they sort the noise, help you prioritize, and guide you toward action.
When you’re lost in decision purgatory, these tools get you unstuck.
“Good Enough” Really Is Good Enough
Now, perfectionists—listen up: good enough is good enough. I had a hard time with this one myself for years.
If you’re waiting for perfect, you’ll be waiting forever. Make the best decision you can with the information you have, and course-correct as you go.
Startups get this right—speed often beats perfection. Move fast and break things, remember who said this? :) Done & improved is better than perfect-that-never-happened any day in my book.
Bonus Tip
When your mind feels tangled and stuck, find water. A river, a lake, the sea—heck, even a fountain in a park will do. Yes - this is the blue mind theory. There’s something about the calm, rhythmic flow of water that calms our mind. Try it and see for yourself.
My Point
Define what success looks like, focus on the essentials, take action (even if it’s small), and trust yourself to keep moving forward. Overthinking might feel like quicksand, but the best way to escape it? Start moving.
Want to Go Deeper? Check out these books:
Atomic Habits by James Clear (my all time favourite)
The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
About Me
Hi, I’m Benonica Angelova. With 16 years as a CX Leader, People Manager, and Coach, I created this Substack to empower people to transform their careers and their relationship with work, colleagues, and themselves. I mentor startup leaders & founders, and I write about leadership, coaching, startups, and the role of AI in shaping our world. If you’re looking for a mentor, let’s talk.