I heard the phrase, “the paralysis of
analysis,” recently on a radio talk show, and thought how perfectly it fit me.
I think something through, then think it through again, then consider whether
or not I’ll be able to complete whatever the project may be and succeed at it.
Instead of forging ahead, I am paralyzed by my fear of failure or, at the very
least, imperfection.
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| Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
When I googled the phrase to check if I
needed to cite it, I was surprised to see it crop up everywhere. The essence of
“the paralysis of analysis” is, according to Wikipedia, “the state of over-analyzing (or over-thinking) a situation so
that a decision or action is never taken, in effect paralyzing the outcome. A
decision can be treated as over-complicated, with too many detailed options, so
that a choice is never made.” (Jeff Boss, How To Overcome The 'Analysis Paralysis' Of
Decision-Making, Forbes, March 20, 2015.)
As a
writer, I experience this problem continually, coupled with the tension of my
own capabilities, which bounce back and forth from confidence to desperation.
As a Christian writer, I decided to “take it to the Lord.” If I’m supposed to
be a writer, and I believe I am, then God will provide what I need to do the
job, and give me the passion to do it well. No more paralysis.
So I’m in
the midst of a drastic leap of faith: indie publishing. I currently have three
books that have gone out of print and await re-release, as well as another book
I very recently reclaimed my rights for. All require new covers, ISBNs,
formats, edits, etc. Am I able to accomplish this seemingly impossible feat?
I’m not
entirely sure, but I know God is. The journey may not be smooth, but I will be
moving forward, essentially killing the over-analysis that has so long
paralyzed me. I’m not looking back but trusting that step-by-step, I’ll be able
to break the habit of paralyzing fears and embrace this God-given adventure.
Are you on
an adventure too?
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| Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
Janice, you can do this because God can. Believe that. Hold onto Him and trust His goodness and faithfulness. Grab a hold of a few scriptures that remind you of His faithfulness and keep speaking them over yourself. Take small steps to begin with that demonstrate stepping your willingness to trust Him.
ReplyDeleteKeep praying, keep believing. Looking forward to seeing the "indie" versions of your novels during the course of the year.
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, Ian. Sounds like experience talking, and that's the most valuable advice. And yes, God is good and God is able. I'm going to post a few of those Scriptures up on my computer desk.
DeleteI've enjoyed and been challenged by your post, Janice. It's very much akin to that saying "not to decide is to decide". I agree with Ian on the "one small step at a time" process. I seem to face that often with the Indie side of things. Let me share an unusual verse that resonates with me. "- the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were" from Romans 4:17b. Our God is a God of the impossible. And that covers every life situation!
ReplyDeleteI always hope others will be encouraged by us when we take these leaps of faith. As to "one small step at a time," that's my intention, but sometimes we are put on the spot to make important decisions quickly, and that's a real challenge.
DeleteHaving said that, I know that our God is so amazing! Thanks for your encouraging words.
I suspect fear of imperfection is a problem for many of us. It's certainly one which resonates with me, although the outworking tends to be procrastination.
ReplyDeleteBut we're not alone in this journey. We have God to guide us, and we have each other to learn from.
You're so correct, and it's good to share our struggles and victories, and to remember that God is our guide.
DeleteSomething I read on Facebook recently: "I'm a perfectionist with a procrastinator complex. Someday I'm going to be awesome."
ReplyDeleteBut it's ever so good to know God is our guide, and to be surrounded, virtually or otherwise, by likeminded people.
It will be a big year for you, Janice. I look forward to reading updates as you move forward. Blessings.
ReplyDeletePatricia, I really appreciate the word of support. It means more than you may know. All the best to you as well.
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