Editing Analysis paralysis (section)

{{Short description|Overthinking causes}}
{{redirect|Overthinking}}

'''Analysis paralysis''' (or '''paralysis by analysis''') describes an individual or group process where [[Analysis|overanalyzing]] or '''overthinking''' a situation can cause forward motion or [[decision-making]] to become "[[paralyzed]]", meaning that no solution or course of action is decided upon within a natural time frame. A situation may be deemed too complicated and a decision is never made, or made much too late, due to [[anxiety]] that a potentially larger problem may arise. A person may desire a [[perfectionism (psychology)|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]]. On the opposite end of the time spectrum is the phrase '''extinct by instinct''', which is making a fatal decision based on hasty judgment or a gut reaction.

Analysis paralysis is when the fear of either making an error or forgoing a superior solution outweighs the realistic expectation or potential value of success in a decision made in a timely manner. This imbalance results in suppressed decision-making in an unconscious effort to preserve existing options. An overload of options can overwhelm the situation and cause this "paralysis", rendering one unable to come to a conclusion. It can become a larger problem in critical situations where a decision needs to be reached, but a person is not able to provide a response fast enough, potentially causing a bigger issue than they would have had, had they made a decision.