#concept
### What Is Analysis Paralysis?
Analysis Paralysis describes an individual or group process when overanalysing or overthinking a situation can cause forward motion or decision-making to become "paralysed", meaning that no solution or course of action is decided upon.
A situation may be deemed too complicated and a decision is never made, due to the fear that a potentially larger problem may arise.
A person may desire a perfect solution, but may fear making a decision that could result in error, while on the way to a better solution.
Equally, a person may hold that a superior solution is a short step away, and stall in its endless pursuit, with no concept of [[diminishing returns]].
## Related Reading
- [[The Paradox of Choice]] - Barry Schwartz on how too many options can paralyze decision-making
- [[Decisive]] - Chip and Dan Heath's framework for making better choices under uncertainty
- [[Essentialism by Greg McKeown]] - Greg McKeown on eliminating decision fatigue by focusing on what matters
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*Last Updated December 2025*