Analysis Paralysis - Do You Suffer From This?
When trying to find the perfect solution hinders your progress, that in a nutshell is a form of analysis paralysis. I suggest reading the Wikipedia discussion on this topic from the following link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
Kyle's recent blog, "Is Perfectionism Killing Your Business?" https://my.wealthyaffiliate.co... prompted me to write about my experience with these phenomena.
I will end with lessons learned and my plans for fighting analysis paralysis. Perhaps the lessons I have learned can help you, assuming you also can identify having this condition.
If you don't suffer from analysis paralysis, much credit to you. There is no need to spend your valuable time reading this post. But if you do have a case of analysis paralysis, read on...........
Information Overload
When we undertake something new, it makes sense to learn as much as we can about that topic in order to do an effective job.
We are fortunate in Wealthy Affiliate to have access to so much varied and valuable training and classes. It provides the opportunity to select exactly what we need to accomplish any task. But there is a downside that we need to aware of.
It is possible to spend most of the time we allocate for our business in the learning mode and much less in the execution of what we learn.
These classes are so enjoyable to attend and learn such a wide variety of skills that there is a danger this can become a full time pursuit.
If you happen to be in this situation, there is an easy solution.
Promise yourself that you are going to create content based on a specific lesson you learn before watching another class. Or, complete the series on a specific topic and then implement the lessons learned before moving on to take another series of classes.
My Experience
When I start a new post I go through the steps taught here religiously. Pick a topic. Perform keyword research. Research the topic and build a library of relevant pictures, graphics and a video or two. Go through my prior posts for internal links. Then search for an authority site for reference. Wikipedia often fits the bill. Then I start writing.
Seems straightforward. Right? What is it that causes me to take so long in writing my post?
Part of my problem is spending excessive amount of time on the research phase to make sure I have covered as many bases as possible. I often end up with much more reference material than what is just good enough.
I have so much to write about that takes me more time to figure out what to use. It is this internal debate that wastes a lot of valuable time. Creating my featured image using Canva is actually the part that takes the least amount of my time.
Eventually I complete my post and it is ready to publish. Instead of taking a few hours to complete, a week or more has passed. Yikes!
Videos
For the longest time I have had a goal to create videos. I've been struck with analysis paralysis on this one. So I keep writing blogs exclusively. There is nothing wrong with that but it is hindering my growth in affiliate marketing.
I felt that I needed more training before I could start making videos.
What am I going to do about that? It is time to take action.
I have started giving speeches on affiliate marketing in my Toastmasters Club and working with another to get feedback. Combining this with classes on Video by Roope Kiuttu, I will overcome this hurdle too.
What Is Holding You Back
Do you feel that you need to perfect a skill before you can start writing a post?
Kyle advised me to just write as fast as I can skip over the imperfections. Then do a grammar and spellcheck and publish. He said that I would be surprised bow fast that can work. I will do that with my next post and see how it works out.
What about you?
Cheers!
Edwin
Recent Comments
53
Analysis paralysis is a very common ailment among new affiliates. There's a fear of publishing that is wrong or incomplete. It's also a great excuse to never post something which could be read or critiqued by someone else! It's understandable (I took 2 years before I shared my first travel article with other travel writers). But one day you must come to point of overcoming that fear to reach your goals.
While the internet is forever, the content you post can be changed or even deleted. Fear of wanting to always make it better shouldn't stop you from publishing a post.
Overcoming this fear can be one of your greatest accomplishments on your path to success!
Hi Jeannine,
Thanks for commenting. When I first joined WA it was easy to write three posts a week. Why?
Each OEC lesson had an assignment to do just that. Like an obedient student I followed that directive.
Once I completed that course, I took a breather and have struggled to get back in that rhythm.
I’ve created my own schedule of daily action now that includes three posts a week and following that now. Once I get back into that rhythm I feel I will have solved my problem.
Then I’ll take the leap into videos!
Cheers.
Edwin
Oeps Edwin. This sounds so familiar. Information overload is one barrier. Perfectionism (is it good enough to publish?) is another one; instead of starting writing down what you have to say and making adjustments to improve it (which is much more productive). I think the general idea is that nothing will be created without action. And learning is not the action we mean. That is an activity you perform. The sooner you start taking action, the sooner your first draft result will be born. And then you can try to make it more "perfect" if you think that is necessary, without striving for 100%.
Hope you understand all this was talking to myself :-)
I love talking to yourself. It helped give me an actionable perspective. Thanks for commenting Jack.
Cheers.
Edwin
Hello Edwin! I believe we are all guilty of going through this analysis paralysis syndrome!
I am trying to fight that. Bravely started y YouTube but still not happy with it but surprised that it’s getting views! 👀😱
Although I must say, it’s painful to start it! Because the analysis paralysis still lingers!!!
Hi Maria,
Congrats on breaking through on making video blogs. You’ll find more views here compared to written blogs based on the posts of others.
Thanks for commenting.
Edwin
I know Edwin! Then Roy sent me different tips and guidelines to YouTubing by his friend, Sean. Then now I got stuck with analysis paralysis because I want to do it right!😅😅😅
I am making a whole list of my stuff , do it and then schedule releasing it!
Do as that old sage Nike says. Just do it lol. even if it is not exactly what we want the video to be we have got to start somewhere.
What better place to start than at the bottom? Then the only way forward is upwards ha.
Cheers.
Edwin
I do, at times, feel that I need to do just a bit more research or rewrite my copy to make it a little better. If I don't do that, I feel pretty bad when I see something that I could do better. But, as Kyle pointed out, this can hold us back so I am working on it.
Jim
Hi Jim,
I was thinking we always have the option of editing our posts later if we missed something critical. Kyle as well as others have convinced me that it is more important to get our ideas out there fast. We do not know which one will resonate with people. All it takes is one or two to attack a lot of traffic to make a difference. Once we know which posts those are, we can write more like that.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Edwin
See more comments
Hello Edwin,
I believe analysis of written material is a good trait, especially checking the flow of the words and if it makes good reading.
But I do think writing with creativity where it is led by inspiration which can be subdued by too much editing and proof reading!
Kind regards
Erica
Hi Erica,
Some great points indeed. I suppose it is all about striking the right balance. And that comes with practice, trial, and error.
Thanks for commenting.
Edwin
Absolutely for sure,
I attend a writing group even which helps with being spontaneous. The tutor will give starters to key words or phrases and sometimes pictures and we then write for 15 minutes.
Erica