A Method for Eliminating Analysis Paralysis

January 2026

Context. Analysis paralysis comes when we enter the period of decision making where a decision needs to be made, the decision making point (D.M.P.), but we relent from making the decision and instead continue to consider.

The truth about the D.M.P. is that if you have to look for it, by finding it you will not become certain of your decision. By no means. You will become certain, however, of your indecision. And although this certainty is able to be ignored, it is not able to be disproved.

The two main causes of analysis paralysis are fear and distraction.

On fear. In one way, fear that it could be the wrong decision; in another way, fear that you will make a wrong decision. One is attached to objectivity, the other to subjectivity. This is a much more internal error and must be dealt with at a spiritual level, which this verse helps with: "The fear of man brings a snare, but one who trusts in the LORD will be protected." (Proverbs 29:25)

On distraction. Distraction is a much easier cause to eliminate, as it is purely systematic and focus oriented. By inserting structure into a decision, only the necessary is considered and therefore all distractions are removed.

The solution is twofold:

  1. Recognize that you are at the D.M.P.
  2. Make the decision.

Analysis paralysis comes when step 1 is not able to be done, or when step 1 is done but step 2 is avoided.

Solving 1. To identify whether you are at the D.M.P., perform these three steps in order. (If your answer to any of them is "I don't know," that's a good sign you are already at the D.M.P. If necessary, search for one piece of information that, if known, would create a decision. If you can't find one, you are at the D.M.P. If you find it, insert it into the decision, and repeat until there are no more pieces to find.)

  1. What information am I lacking that is stopping me from making this decision?
    • None: you are at the D.M.P.
    • One or more specific pieces: move on to step two.
  2. How will I close the knowledge gaps stopping me from making this decision?
    • They are impossible to close.
    • I will close them by finding the answers to X, Y, and Z: move on to step three.
  3. Find the answers to your gaps one at a time using the methods you defined in step two.
    • My methods aren't closing the gap: consider that the gap is unknowable, or redo step two with your new experience of it.
    • Done, but I discovered more information I'm lacking: repeat step two with the new gaps.
    • Done.

You are now definitely at the D.M.P. Step 1 is done. Do step 2.

Solving 2. After finding that you are at the D.M.P., you might experience this: "I still don't know the right decision."

My simple answer: if you have done steps 1 through 3 to completion, then you will never know. This means you must face the irrationality of the hope you have that you might. This could be a result of fear left undealt with.

Back to the beginning: if you have to look for the D.M.P., by finding it you will not become certain of your decision. You will become certain of your indecision. And although this certainty is able to be ignored, it is not able to be disproved.

Carpe diem.