Paralysis by Analysis

Trying to make the perfect decision.

Years ago, when I worked as a marketing analyst, my boss warned me against "paralysis by analysis," cautioning against spending so much time analysing that we never took any action.

The Biblical wisdom book Ecclesiastes makes a similar warning. Chapter 11, verse 4 says:

Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap. (ESV)

It's saying that we can analyse, assess, and plan, but unless we act, we'll never reap any rewards.

The Bible is encouraging us to 'have a go,' because whilst we don't know everything and our best predictions and forecasts will never be perfect, the Bible expresses confidence in the One who oversees everything (and cares), so we therefore can act, trusting Him and His oversight of the world.

Acknowledging this can take the sting out of our anxieties, and we can act, not being paralysed by analysing everything, trying to make the perfect decision.