Analysis paralysis follows believing there’s overwhelming significance… in making a choice mistake. We’re convinced indecision is the only winning course to take. We imagine … might… only comes with being right.  That’s why paralysis replaces choosing even obvious options… whether they’re foods at grocery stores, goodies at carnivals… clothes at retail shops… or vintage treasures… at silent auctions.

Analysis paralysis differs from “extinct by instinct” where flawed decisions are made from hasty analyses… without due diligent consideration.  In chess or dominoes, the “Kotov Syndrome,” also differs from analysis paralysis. It describes behavior where after long deliberation… over a complicated position without next step clarity… and time constraints pending… a blunder move is made in frustration.

Analysis paralysis fuels a behavior most sport fans find provoking… pulled hair… shaking heads… we call it… “athletic choking.”  We’re content though… with star athletes relying on muscle memory to control analysis paralysis they face…while skillfully making every snap decision… with ease and grace.

Rookie athletes… vulnerable to analysis paralysis… ironically are controlled by not knowing what they don’t know.  Training minimizes analysis paralysis through awareness of what needs improvement and what’s getting better as they grow.  As skills are mastered… and reflexive unconscious competency becomes the norm… athletes get in a zone eliminating analysis paralysis behavior… for which unskilled athletes… are painfully prone.

When it comes to analysis paralysis… in making decisions in life… or sports… we certainly can be left… dead to sorts… it’s a Funny Feeling to know… once skill mastery controls what we need to DO… “overthinking” action paralysis… regarding stuff and situations… won’t impede… making choices that are DUE…

Copyright 2018 Alan P. Xenakis, MD, Doc X MD and Audra RN Funny Feelings^©