Analysis Paralysis
This Blog has moved! Click here to see what's new in the life of the Pruett family.
I tend to over-analyze things. I’m a planner, a dreamer, and on good days, a decent implementer. Once in a while, more often than I’d like to admit, I end up over-analyzing a project or situation and miss the opportunity that it represents.
Lately I’ve been involved in re-considering the overall direction of a project at work. Our team has thrown around several ideas, and talked through several scenarios, but we’re still on the same general path. It may be a matter of timing - it may not be the right time to implement this new direction. It may be a matter of preparation - we may not be ready for this new direction. Or it may be a matter of momentum - maybe we’re stuck, afraid to plot this new course and strike out into the unknown. Either way, we’re not moving on it. Yet.
For me, over-analysis is just another form of procrastination. I tend to minimize risks, and avoid situations where I may fail. Procrastination is a sure way to avoid failure - accept it is actually a form of failure. Failure to accomplish what I set out to do.
I know this much: if I over-analyze and try too hard to minimize risks, I’ll never implement this new direction. I’ve got to dive in at some point and say, “OK, follow me. I’m not sure exactly what’s ahead, but if we’re not moving we’re falling behind.”
My first step is to gather a bit more expertise, and to talk to an adviser either through SCORE or through UCSB’s Technology Management Program. Once I understand the pieces we need to pull together, I think we can confidently move forward, even if all the angles haven’t been analyzed.
I’m going to make an appointment in my calendar to take the first step. Er. Wait. That sounds too much like procrastinating.
OK. Just fired off an email to the TMP at UCSB. Now I just have to follow through and I’m on my way along the first step!