"Analysis Paralysis"

I am finally writing my first blog post! Why has it taken so long?  Two words: “Analysis Paralysis”.  A friend used the term to describe her hesitation in making her next career move and what a perfect term for deliberately delayed action.   When you are a risk averse, perfectionist, with a need to succeed, it can be really difficult to take the first step towards something new.  How can you break free from analysis paralysis? 

First, find the right recipe. When you are going to make something good, the first step is usually researching the recipe that is going to work best for you.  You have to find one with the ingredients you have or can easily attain and one that uses the tools you have available to you.  Well when you are trying to accomplish a new goal, the steps are the same. Do your research to start and then outline the various steps and their order.  You will end up with a tailored to-do list of smaller tasks or your “recipe” for success.  Then start cooking!  Even if you are taking baby steps, just keep going.  Whatever your goal, be it a career change or a blog, it is important to keep your forward momentum and keep your goal in mind.  You will get there if you just keep working towards it.  

Second, add your own flavor.  Some of the paralysis comes from comparison. You may compare yourself to peers, co-workers, or even a former version of yourself.  But remember that you are the only you. You have been placed in this moment for a reason.  It doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing or how.  No two potential job candidates are the same.  You are unique.  Even when two people follow the same recipe, the results are different.  You are the only one with your story, your experience, your perspective, and your particular “flavor”.  Self-assessments can help you discover those qualities that will help you to stand out.  Be confident and know that your special touch will be on everything you do.

Third, invite others to the party. Don’t try to go it along.  It is helpful to share your goals with your support system.  One of the most effective ways to combat the paralysis is accountability.  When you are an entrepreneur, it is important to keep to a schedule.  I make a list of weekly goals and share them with my friends and my husband.  I welcome the check-ins to keep me focused.  Please let others help you, take the constructive criticism, take the advice, take the contacts, the editing, the reviewing, the mock meetings, take the help.  Working with a career coach is a great way to get that extra push you need to get moving in the direction of your professional happiness.  Finally, share your success.   Once you have found the right recipe, cooked up a delicious meal with your unique flavor, invite others to the party to savor your success.  Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and be celebrated.

I believe in only giving advice that I find personally inspiring.  You are currently reading the result of my freedom from “Analysis Paralysis”.