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5 Easy Steps to Banish Analysis Paralysis and Get Movin' and Groovin'

By Carrie Sharpshair
December 1, 2010

We've all been there. Those times when we know we need to make a decision yet we just can't seem to get out of our own way and do it. The dreaded analysis paralysis. Yet experts all agree that being able to reach quick and definite decisions is a critical factor for business success. So how do you get out of analysis paralysis and get movin' and groovin'?

Step One: Objective! The first step is to see if you have an objective that you’re working towards. Think of your business right now. What are your top three objectives? Maybe they include growing revenue by 20%; establishing a baseline subscriber list of 5,000 people in six months; or writing your business plan in the next 30 days.

The more clearly defined (as in SMART – specific, measurable, action-oriented, relevant, and time-bound) your objectives are, the easier it is to establish strategies to achieve them.

Step Two: Strategy! What are the ways in which you can achieve your objectives? Most often there are at least a couple of paths you can take which lead to the end result. Brainstorm or seek the advice of others to find those strategies that work best for you and that are in complete alignment with your objectives.

Here's where you can be really creative - think outside the box. Once you have identified the strategies, it’s time to lay out the detailed tactics you’ll employ.

Step Three: Tactics! Take your first strategy that you identified and determine all of the individual activities. For example, let's say your objective is to grow revenues by 20% in the next six months and one of the strategies you will employ is to find and enroll in a business networking and referral program. Your list of tactical activities may look like this: 1) research networking groups in my area; 2) visit 5 groups this month; 3) decide on best group and apply for membership; and finally, 4) attend and participate in the group regularly.

By listing out specific tactics supporting your strategy (which just so happens to be in alignment with your objective), you're ready to move.

Step Four: Move! You've done the upfront planning; now it's time to take the first step. Since you've written down what needs to be done, and each step moves you closer to your objective, the only obstacle is really you! Take a deep breath; knock out the first activity on the list, then the second, and so on. Decision-making becomes quicker and more definitive when you are in motion.

Will Rogers says it best, "Even if you’re on the right track - you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Once you are in the habit of taking action and being in motion, you’ll find that you’re better able to take on more, delegate, and really groove.

Step Five: Groove! You’ve now reached the stage where opportunities really start to present themselves because your decision making and actions are in alignment with your objectives. You’ve no doubt used the expression “in the groove” – it’s that great space where everything is going your way, and you feel like you’re on top of the world. That’s the perfect opportunity to get creative again – where can your strategies and tactics be tweaked and improved? How can you now leverage your time, money, and energy in order to embrace new opportunities?

No one wants to be in a rut personally or professionally. When you follow these five easy steps you can establish clearly-defined objectives, identify well thought-out strategies, define actionable tactics, and begin movin’ and grooving’. By doing so you’ll banish analysis paralysis forever.

About Carrie Sharpshair

Carrie Sharpshair is your thriving business planning mentor and the founder of Arboresque Coaching. She works with first time business owners, helping them balance their creativity and enthusiasm with a solid foundaiton for planning, preparation and performance so they focus on serving their customers. To find out how she can help your business take root and thrive, she invites you to apply for a strategy session via her website at www.arboresquecoaching.com.