Cure for Analysis Paralysis

Updated Saturday, March 20, 2010

It’s one thing to say “go big or go home”. That’s very different from doing it. Going big can mean many things, and they are generally all uncomfortable and perplexing. “Analysis Paralysis” comes to mind. See, the fighting instinct, the gamer, the world changer in us says to go big. And why not? Nothing important EVER happens without going big.

I believe there is something very simple and powerful holding us back from big moves. It’s our overwhelming tenancy to weigh cons heavier than pros when scale is at equilibrium or better. In other words, we have an innate proclivity towards seeing potential losses worse then they really are. For example, studies have shown (and I will quote them here later) that the same opportunity presented in two different ways-one emphasizing the risks, the other the gains-are not seen as equals. Crazy! But we all fall prey.

If you have honestly weighed both sides, pros and cons, sought council, talked the death out of it, know everything adds up to your favor and STILL haven’t made the big move, this is why. You are doing something quite natural: surviving safely. Acknowledging this natural tendency towards seeing the cons as heavier then they are, removing it from the equation, you can move forward.

About the author. I'm Adam Temple. After a degree in religion I ended up in the business world and just love it. Sermonspice.com was my first big splash as it's now a multi-million dollar company (which I love saying!). Bixly.com is the next notable effort. Expert programming seriously low prices. It came about as a last ditch effort to avoid working security detail. Bixly reminds me of adolescence: thriving with health and potential, but still learning.