How to Stop Overthinking Decisions and Overcome Analysis Paralysis

[@veryberry39]

"Done is better than perfect" is what I repeated to myself over and over again, every week last year when I went back to school and finished my degree. It was only one class, but it's been almost 20 years and I felt like I wasn't doing a good job on my papers. So I had to tell myself that as long as I turned them in, I wouldn't fail and that was all that counted.

[@ThereseDavidson]

Love it, i Will borrow this!

[@shruthirajaram1996]

This is what I'm telling myself

[@notJohnRambo]

But still be aware of consequences of your acts

[@resistancenotneedbfutile]

All you can do is your best. I have had teachers who failed everyone but min allowed. Luckily one of those classes, Engr Physics 1 & 2 I had to take at a community College & transfer credits. I got 2 C grades. But credits, not grades transferred. Whew.

[@nasreen1581]

Would the ‘done is better than perfect ‘philosophy work out for choosing a degree? I understand most people know what they want to study but I was very good at school, chose a major in college because I had no idea what I wanted to do and I listened to what my parents said. Now I’ve worked 4 years in the field but I can’t quite shake the feeling of wanting to do something else but I still don’t know what to do. I want to pursue a masters but i’m torn between choosing something related to my existing degree or something completely new.

[@frankq1209]

My wife of 51 years and I flip a quarter if we can't decide. Heads we do, tails we don't. Never fight over decisions. If it doesn't work out we blame the quarter.

[@neffyiffy]

I LOVE this

[@cleaneropinion111]

😂😂😂 Sometime we want to flip it again. Like Im more into the second choice. Let's try again!

[@prettypookie_333]

that's adorable😭

[@justanothermortal1373]

I don't think you can apply this for big decisions

[@jaimiemarie434]

⁠When we want to reflip the coin then we know it’s the other side we really wanted.

[@quarteracreadventures855]

"If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice" -Rush, 'Freewill'

[@jumanji9869]

Your contents are really better than going to any psychologist and therapist. It's clear, crisp, to the point and without any drama. Thank you for your efforts to make us feel better.

[@RiasLight]

That's kind of you dude

[@somehuman6300]

What do you mean by "without any drama?" What kind of drama do you usually experience?

[@jumanji9869]

@@somehuman6300 Some podcast tend to motivate it's viewers by shouting and yelling in annoying tones, with really loud background track. It's hurtful to hear them.

[@somehuman6300]

@@jumanji9869 Thanks for explaining this. Are you saying one of the reasons you like this channel is because her voice is calming?

[@sariajoseph6671]

I can’t access the class

[@egreeno]

Hearing "you are resilient. You can handle an imperfect outcome" brought a tear to my eye. Thank you. I didn't even know I needed to hear that. ❤️

[@Aceinine]

"Life will choose for you. if you don't" - sometimes these insightful harsh realities are what you need to hear, to start taking those decisive first steps. Beautiful content :)

[@MZBS639]

But isnt the decision made then? I believe the Most important Thing to learn about decisions is that we Put too much significance in Them.

[@nokronis]

I'm 33 and this has destroyed my life the past 10 years, I even went to a school therapist and they said I needed to see a career councilor... that didn't help. I wish I knew I needed help sooner, and that it could be fixed.

[@Kevin97587]

I feel the same. My entire life (im 31) i have been unable to make any important decisions, so i just dont make decisions and let life kinda decide for me.. I postpone things untill i no longer have the choice. I boiled it down to mainly being afraid of making the wrong choice and then hating myself for making a wrong choice. Im trying to change this but its very difficult..

[@lr9ifyvi]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@Kevin97587exactly on the same boat here. it's very difficult to change... and i'm turning 32 this year...

[@tawnykc83]

This video could not have come at a more perfect time! I have been completely emotionally paralyzed which is starting to cause me to be physically paralyzed because I'm so overwhelmed about making decisions. Today, I could barely move and all I wanted to do was go back to sleep. I rarely take naps anymore because I suffer from insomnia (whole other issue). I thought the nap might reboot my brain, which it sometimes does, but the nap made me feel worse 😫 I feel like I've made the wrong decisions in the past so I'm terrified of making more bad decisions. Lately I have been procrastinating and giving my mind a "brain break" by watching shows that make me laugh. However, I've also been educating myself on the project I want to start. I have so many ideas in my head but I find it difficult to put those ideas into practice. I'm definitely an over thinker but I want to be a doer. I'm not lazy. I just want to do something that has meaning. But sometimes I can barely get out of bed and I'm not even 40 years old yet 😞 Thank you for making these videos to help me feel a little less alone.

[@alexandrakovacs846]

Thank you! "Avoiding risk can mean that you end up disappointed and lonely" really, really hit me at the point! Thanks for your effort of explaining it! :)

[@francescagreetham1804]

“There is no perfect decision” really hit me. That’s… so true.

[@hipidipi20157max]

there should be with enough data

[@estheraraujo8263]

You always come in a perfect time of need. Thank you for your help. It always makes me feel better and confident🙏

[@JVPlayz96]

Agreed

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

I'm so glad!

[@crazyop5165]

​@@TherapyinaNutshell thank u😊😇

[@KelsonBurnsSenior]

Hi Emma, I saw this quote and thought of you. "Just as the acorn contains the mighty oak tree, the Self has everything it needs to fulfill its destiny. When the inner conditions are right, it naturally emerges."

[@audreajohnson9339]

Thanks so much for this. As a single mom I struggle with this a lot and whether I am capable of making the best decisions for my daughter.

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@insomniaccxx]

just woke up, so much things ramping on my mind, don't know where and when to start my day, and you pop up in my yt homepage. " imperfect decisions is greater than doing nothing" "its picking anything and being resilient of the outcome" ❤❤

[@manarmahmood3538]

"A finished PhD is a good PhD", this is similar to the done is better than perfect mantra and is what got me through finishing my thesis. Thanks a lot for this. Cant wait to hear about executive functioning as I struggle with prioritization and identifying what is important during decision-making!

[@afrinakhanam4696]

OMG! I am going through the same dilemma. My defense is in 2 weeks!

[@manarmahmood3538]

@@afrinakhanam4696 I wish you all the best. I know how you must be feeling. Just know that your the expert in your work, and this is was the work you could do given the time and resources you had. Be upfront about any limitations or weakness and say future research can examine them further. You’ve got this ☺️

[@beautyamongashes8378]

After putting this all together it sounds like I need to work on my self confidence and self esteem!

[@JDubeta]

Thank you SOO MUCH for this video. You are a god-send. Anxiety-avoidance and analysis paralysis is it's own kind of HELL. Thank you, I found this really helpful, and learned a lot!

[@mellowmeowsInc]

This video hit me right in the feels. I'm a chronic overthinker and this is just what I needed to hear. Thanks for the great content!

[@FordMustangYT]

I've been overthinking for all 4 years of my high school career. Now starting out as a Freshman in college next week, I hope this video will be a clear crisp reminder that any decision is better than no decision, and there will always be some risk with it, because that is what life is all about! I find it very inspirational! Heck Ulysses S. Grant took chances as General and Union Head Commander in the Civil War! Not every one was perfect, but making a decision definitely showed a better outcome! All of this time I was thinking like George McClellan whom which Lincoln fired for being so cautious. Not anymore!

[@Waywardwindfall]

Done is better than perfect is a phrase that is literally changing my life. I use it almost everyday.

[@brittneygilchrist2744]

Exactly what I needed today! Huge love!! 🥰 Thanks beautiful!!

[@nicholasousby4042]

I can’t tell you how much this video has helped me today!! I’ve been struggling with a decision for months about relocating my life, if I don’t try I’ll never know! ❤🎉🎉🎉

[@Viveera2024]

Thank you so much for sharing your valuable knowledge for free on the net for those who cannot afford the courses.

[@theologytherapist]

So good to remind ourselves that we are more capable and and smarter than we think! There's so much value in the habit of affirming yourself and being aware of how you function, so that you can support yourself as best as you can.

[@yuurou7927]

Fighting depression for over 10 years took a toll on my ability to actively do things. I feel strong bodily reaction whenever I try to decide anything or even think about doing things I usually don't do. I give myself a year to slowly make progress now. I have to remind myself almost daily that change doesn't happen overnight just to not paralyzed by guilt and fear.

[@hanjnk]

You have done more for me than any therapist has ever done. I hope you realise the power you have. Thankyou so much for saving my life on many occasions ♥️

[@crystal338]

I’ve watched this twice already. This video continues to be helpful. It makes me realize how spoiled we are. Trying to make a decision about what car to buy. Adding options adds a lot of money. I’m worried about silly things like well I regret every day if I don’t have a sunroof. If you’re going to pay tens of thousands of dollars for something you should get exactly what you want. But the price just keeps going up and the decision making has paralyzed me as always. This video definitely helps. Thanks!

[@melliecrow1091]

I like that you summarize and put a visual up on the video with the main points. So helpful.

[@TheKyrsisForever]

I suffer with this real badly, but i think i am becoming better at approaching it❤

[@TravisGoodman]

This is great! Great quick overview of the background. My favorite part is the need to address the underlying emotions fueling our thoughts. As a therapist myself, this is a crucial thing I teach most if not all my clients. I have them first STOP to take time to reflect, get in touch with their bodily response, and identify their thoughts and emotions. From there often we can find some emotional need, oftentimes a fear that needs to be addressed. This often comes from a younger part of us that might have been wounded in the past. Once we give a voice to that part, once we allow that part to be seen, to be heard, it often has a positive change and impact in the present.

[@SkarGig]

Omg could this be the advice I've always needed??

[@DianeZyrix]

Thank you so much for this information, you're very helpful and inspiring 🥰

[@floridanativelh568]

You are a blessing. The time and devotion to this channel is so appreciated. You manage to put out consistently excellent content along with raising a family and being a great wife. We. Appreciate. You. ❤❤❤❤

[@tesselationstation]

I wish I'd known this in HS. Some choices, I don't regret, evasion has helped skip bad scenarios. But I feel that, missing out on good job opps., not being able to climb higher. Still, I'm 26, so it's not the end of the world, no regrets, not in a bad place at all. I know what I want to do now... Much love to this channel.

[@zejewelzstanley]

I love and appreciate the hell out of you for all your videos. You have no idea how much they've helped and how much I value them. ❤️

[@ali18398]

Thank you Emma 💖 I've been torn between leaving my job or not for past couple of months! I even turned in my resignation, but was being lured back with an offer of a small favour! Your video, helped me clear up my head! Thanks again! Be blessed!

[@rubin-healmysocialanxiety702]

👏

[@oldsoul3539]

It took me a long while to realise I was trying to choose "the right answer" when all the options were good. I realised that the harder the decision is to make the less it matters because it means they're all exactly as good

[@_kaythebutterfly7828]

😢This… this video explained my entire life and the constant perfectionism that I’ve failed to obtain. Thank you for this message. It was so timely!!!

[@Pentium3ddem]

Many thanks from Argentina. My life it's frozen for not making decisions. Thanks again

[@sparrow4313]

I love that she talks about fear. When I read the book who moved my cheese mini years ago, there was a one page in there that says what would you do if you weren’t afraid? I think that one page changed my life. I started being able to make decisions once I just said quit being afraid and just try it.

[@mariamata5067]

Thanks so much for this video! It showed up on my feed right when I'm stuck on a big project that I've been putting off for way too long. Done is better than perfect!!

[@rubin-healmysocialanxiety702]

“Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson Thanks for the video Emma, great point on overcoming analysis paralysis by processing the emotions that are truly causing it!

[@garydelgaudio5364]

Emma is golden , thx for the valuable information, you give the time ,,everyone best appreciate,,,,, thx E

[@J_C_.]

Thank you! I'm stuck between dating someone I had before, or moving on with someone new, this video will help me make a decision.

[@Worldzachngen]

Jc- go with your gut feeling. Write out on a peice of paper the pros and cons of each one you’re trying to make a decision. If con’s weigh out the pros…. Then that’s a red flag.

[@bridiewright1519]

Great timing I'm doing this right now!x

[@Mickey-7]

Excellent advise! I so needed to hear everything you had to say. I have been experiencing analysis paralysis big time. Thank you, thank you, thank you! So appreciated!😊

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@koopi789]

Thank you for this!! Currently struggling so much with choosing a education for this fall, between London and Stockholm. I already live in sweden and love most parts of it, but i was so excited when i got accepted to london, i’ve thought about every single detail and it’s just soo hard to make a choice. My fear is for sure regret, that i would have made the ’wrong’ choice. I’m gonna watch this video everyday to remind and help myself😂😭

[@michele3631]

Emma, your videos are awesome. Thank you for educating us so well on mental health and emotional wellness topics. You are my favorite educator on KZbin.

[@elevenbyfive]

What i find hardest is when i all options seem equally good or bad and people say 'just pick one, it doesn't matter which.' I need CRITERIA! I don't know how to handle it when there is no wrong or right answer.

[@Elaiden]

Thank you. This seems really helpful. I just spent a whole day trying to choose a rainjacket and didn’t even finish. I’ll put this in practice and see what happens.

[@Raylight5068]

This is just too relatable. I often procrastinate because I get too overwhelmed by my decisions. My mom says I don't care about those decisions cuz I procrastinate but in reality I'm just too worried to make a bad future choice.

[@TMMT4]

Thanks for this! I’ve recently realized everything I’ve experienced, the trauma that’s played a part in me making decisions. I suppose cognitive dissonance and a dysregulated nervous system plays a part too. I tend not to trust self though my intuition seems strong so I seek support typically in my unsupportive mother. I believe being overwhelmed with emotion causes me to react with trauma responses, I shutdown from feeling unheard and probably the process of feeling that I don’t know what to do. Additionally, another issue I believe is not even knowing the emotions I’m experiencing due to that decision making is more difficult because I don’t think in depth or what’s in front of my face. It makes me mad I experience extreme difficulty in decisions that are automatic for others. I’ve started to see I should consider current circumstance and the changes whatever would cause. I think remembering that first feeling and if I went from happy to unhappy when an issue arises. If I’m unhappy in what way would whatever make me happy and decide to do that, stop going with what’s simple that tends to tie into unhappiness because I’m basically avoiding a decision. Through everything I’ve experienced on my own, especially after basically being unsupportive it’s clear to me I’m capable without doubting myself.

[@godfreybynoe6486]

I was going threw that but I started to pray on it and I felt better after.

[@lizziewalker7844]

I’ve been doing this so badly with trying to choose which way I want to lose weight. I’ve tried numerous diets but I just can’t stick with anything. After watching this I believe I’ve convinced myself I’ll just put the weight back on so I avoid choosing an approach and want to look for that perfect decision. Which you’ve stated doesn’t exist! So now I need to decide how to move forward.

[@deenzo4404]

As a toxic perfectionist and a psychology student, I feel like I got a lot out of this video. Thank you so much !

[@sumbalshahzadi8967]

as frida's case is exactly mine, overthinker, procrastinator, black n white thinking pattern. bt you have to take decisions with uncertainty and risks factor, its the point where you grow.

[@davebarnett682]

Very very good! I suffer from serious depression. I have a big problem deciding what I want to eat. I have plenty of money and I am very blessed I don't eat much. I snack a lot. Thank you for that information! GoD bless!

[@prettypookie_333]

Freidas case is quite similar to mine...god in a way you really helped me with the exact scenario i was facing. Thankyou so much Emma! Your videos are so so so incredibly helpful. Thankyou for making it easier to handle things, much love to you❤

[@jakubbojczuk5781]

Wonderful, it's come in a right time. It's been a life long problem for me. Making decisions cause a lot of pain for me.

[@rubin-healmysocialanxiety702]

I feel ya brother, decisions can really drain our willpower, yet they break us out of stagnation at the same time ❤

[@jakubbojczuk5781]

@@rubin-healmysocialanxiety702 thanks for this. 🌸🙏🏽😍

[@Maynard0504]

I'm watching this at work instead of doing what I'm supposed to. Talk about executive function issues

[@kalandrxedits8123]

Thank you so much for this video. I rarely comment on videos but this one really helped with an issue I'm confronted with since...ever. I hope I can apply quickly what I just learned !

[@ajliea3445]

Wow the best and cutest therapist online 🎉❤

[@biatae2713]

Thank you for this one. Great advice and very applicable for me and my life right now. Much appreciated!

[@s81098]

Really perfect timing, having some huge decisions to make and problems taking them 😉

[@nazsimons]

I love this channel, It's helping me getting to know myself better.

[@rubin-healmysocialanxiety702]

❤

[@babycakes8434]

Great tips. I am stuck in analysis paralysis, so eventually I avoid making certain decisions. Sometimes it is so exhausting, that I prefer to abandon the idea completely, instead of pushing forward. The reason is mostly that I don't want to make bad decisions😢 Thank you for the video.

[@iceapitsada1137]

thank u soo much for delivering all psychology contents in a very detailed yet easy-to-understand way! u helped when time gets hardest. thank you

[@rdevalentin]

Thank you for the helpful insights for making decisions! In addition to the strategies you mentioned, what about deciding beforehand a reasonable amount of time to make a decision and sticking to it, even if it makes you feel uncomfortable at first? Whatever the future holds, you don't lose everything. Your self-esteem is maintained because you avoided the two extremes/pitfalls of impulsiveness and indecisiveness. P.S.: I just watched your next video about executive functioning, and realized we brought up the topic of deadline-setting.

[@jamiewagner7066]

Thank you so much for this! I really needed it! I've had so many experiences where I've waited too long in making a choice and missed out. Also, Bombay House is always a great choice. 😉

[@devarunkarmakar6298]

i feel so better after these videos i was introduced to this channel today and i loved ur vids thankss

[@rebeccajones9757]

Thank you for this! I needed to hear it.

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TorringtonFernandopulle]

Love ❤ the way you explaining, understandable, very clear and crisp ... thank you so much for the video 🙏

[@veljkopocuca1907]

Ur really making a difference, keep uploading videos, we need more help and therapy in this stressed times!

[@jeanneratzlaff2640]

Thank you. Very timely and helpful. The reference to making decisions about jeans caught my attention. And that confident people aren’t necessarily more right- and finally- considering that One has the resilience to live well with some less pleasant consequences 😂

[@samward3951]

I am grateful to have stumbled upon your series of videos. They are fantastic & right on the money! I will be checking out all of them!!!

[@shebyt9327]

I'm good at making decisions for ME, but I really struggle with making decisions when other people are involved ... will they be happy with my choice? I guess I'm afraid of dealing with their disappointment or criticism. Maybe I should go back and watch a people pleasing video. Thanks for another great video! You are so fun to be with.

[@cicamaca123]

You literaly described me word to word...

[@tronalddump2444]

Perfect timing now. I am struggling with that for years...

[@SunnyDay70]

Exactly what I needed today❤

[@santanacaipirinha9536]

What if you can't remind yourself that you're resilient because you're not? I have made so many decisions that had a terrible outcome that I feel paralyzed every time I have to make a new one. I'm always going back in my mind and making another decision; the one I should have made. I can't think of a good decision I can give myself credit for. I'm stuck in a constant loop of regret. If you don't feel you can trust yourself to make decisions anymore, you're way beyond these steps. I'm still glad this subject is getting more attention lately because it really is a huge roadblock for many.

[@c.j.9141]

Santana, I can relate pretty well with what you described. If I may share what I have discovered about my "uneducated choice making" life.... no one was there for me as a child when I needed support, so my child-brain, to help me thru the hurt and fear, established me as the only one to trust. Spent 55 years trying my best to get thru life without "needing" anyone for guidance on life decisions etc. now I am 68yo, and have lost every dime I worked for to poor choices. I finally got clear that I have set myself up for a miserable old age and hired a financial consultant. Humbling and embarrassing, her job is not to judge my past, but to help me move forward. The pain of shame (of needing help) was MUCH LESS than the joy of hope that I can ask for help, and use other people's knowledge. Wow, what a freeing revelation! I wish you the ah ha moment where your search for hope trumps the fear of your decision making process!!

[@rMDheal]

I feel this immensely. For me, regret is what becomes paralyzing. I look back, see all the "should have gone that way" moments, that making a wrong decision now carries so much more weight because of the pain of regret. Does this make sense? I feel like I cannot afford any more regret. I would love for some hope to be shined on situations like ours. It is truly so painful, and as time goes on, it becomes heavier. I can only say that sometimes making a wrong decision helps to illuminate the places where maybe our energy belongs. For instance, I jumped into a master's program, am halfway in, and am not sure it is the right fit for me... yet another painful wrong decision, but it is shedding light on where I feel I do belong a little bit more.

[@MsGaella]

Great video! Thanks. I like the phrase “analysis paralysis”

[@AsiekiD]

That's precisely what I needed a day before visiting my once-upon-a-time love promising myself for the 50th time it's the last time.

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

You got this!

[@realitywinner7582]

spot-on-timing for here too ! The LIght Of Heaven to You !

[@TheAlchemist1089]

I just figured out that I have analysis paralysis (strong) The timing of this video is impeccable I can add will change 😇

[@TM15HAKRN]

You surely knw How to tk Decision You decided well.. The topic😉😊😎🎊 Thanks dear😊

[@jeanlow2995]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for what you do! yet another great and practical video, looking forward to the video on executive functioning!

[@claudiaaa4268]

Im 45 and this has been my constant struggles. Although i don't regret anything in my life. I always know i can do better with my struggles. Being introvert with ADHD is work lol. One day at a time.

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

Bud, mouthy man expert, it's not standards, it's expectations - and you can grow up - and lower your expectations. Thanks Emma.

[@LAYDEEPINAYY]

dang... one of the last statements you said sums me in a nutshell.... "let go of regret..." ahh my perfectionism, overanalyzing, unforgiving [to myself mainly - is the pattern i recognize], elephant memory self hahaha..... this is something i struggle with. but thank you for the reminder that i need to keep working on letting go of regret... if i make mistakes, and wrong decisions... there can either be a solution, a way, a person, some sort of help or aid to progress that situation in some way...

[@armaghan1988]

One of your best videos . Thank you sooo much

[@Brujitaloveskurama]

Im having the same troubles deciding for jobs, but in my case I have trauma associated with it, specially in my career, so I was thinking in choosing other work for my mental peace over my "specialty"

[@itsmissdev]

This was very helpful actually. Thank you for this video.

[@내일은이기겠지]

amazing video. my algorithm finally did it!

[@Mitchellwright_]

This is literally me. I do this with deciding what KZbin videos I want to upload I’ve waisted over 10 years

[@fadyaspainting]

How to heal abandonment issues? Feeling stuck in this affecting my relationships with people, Feeling lonely and sad.

[@Alphacentauri819]

That is a deep pain indeed. I was given up for adoption, lost my whole family (parents, grandparents, cousins, and so on and 2.5+ yrs) and had subsequent foster homes. Deep abandonment issues. Unseen trauma by adoptive parents, who provided physically, but were mostly very emotionally unavailable. A key to my healing has been to learn how to not abandon myself. Learning to take my needs and boundaries into consideration, learn how to stand up for what I want, having my own back. I often would contort in ways to not be abandoned, people please...but that leads to loneliness because you aren't showing up as you, therefore abandoning yourself. Healing the core wounds and limiting beliefs is huge. It is possible. Once you deeply connect with YOU, it is life changing. You can only connect to others at the level you are connected to, and accept, yourself. Sending wishes for deep connection💛💫

[@PowerfulRift]

This is beautiful advice thanks 😊

[@roccoconte2960]

Great talk I needed that.

[@mlouw8218]

This video is right in time! Thank you!!! 😊🙏

[@vaishnavipanyam1756]

Thank you for this video! Can you please make one on how to stop comparing oneself to others?

[@rebeccajones8628]

Early trauma makes decision making later in life more difficult.

[@lira8058]

This. I'm still dealing with poor decision on the past, so the past few years has been all about analysing too much before making any decision at all...