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A few years ago, I found myself paralysed over my first big hiring decision as a new business owner. The stakes felt enormous. I reviewed applications over and over, replayed interviews in my head, and second-guessed every thought. The more I analysed, the more stuck I became.
Over time, I learned a simple three-word phrase — rooted in emotional intelligence — that now helps me break free from analysis paralysis and move forward with clarity:
Try the experiment.
It’s a deceptively simple mindset shift, but one that can help you stop overthinking, make decisions faster, and learn from the process.
Why overthinking holds you back
Many of us get caught in endless cycles of weighing pros and cons, imagining worst-case scenarios, and waiting for the perfect option to reveal itself. The result? Decision paralysis.
In business, that delay can be costly — slowing projects, missing opportunities, and draining your mental energy. The longer you stay stuck, the harder it becomes to act.
That’s where “try the experiment” changes everything. It reframes decision-making from a high-stakes gamble into a learning process.
How to put it into practice
- Do your research – Gather enough information to understand the situation and identify possible solutions. You don’t need perfect knowledge — just a clear view of your viable options.
- Identify the core problem – Ask whether this is something you can actually control. If not, redirect your focus. If yes, list out possible actions.
- Narrow the choices – Too many options are overwhelming. Cut your list down to three strong contenders.
- Weigh the pros and cons – Write them down. This helps you separate emotional reactions from practical considerations.
- Set a decision deadline – Give yourself a firm, realistic date to choose and act. Without a time limit, the cycle of overthinking can stretch indefinitely.
- Try the experiment – Pick an option, treat it as a test, and move forward. If it works, great. If not, you’ve gained valuable data and experience to inform your next move.
Why it works
Shifting your mindset from “making the perfect choice” to “running an experiment” removes the fear of failure. Even if things don’t go as planned, you’ve still advanced — either by finding a workable solution or by learning what doesn’t work.
Time is often more valuable than money. Inaction can be as costly as making a wrong call, especially when you consider the long-term impact of missed opportunities.
The takeaway
The next time you feel yourself spiralling into overthinking, pause. Step back. Follow the steps above and try the experiment.
The more you approach decisions this way, the faster you’ll act, the more confident you’ll become, and the better your decision-making skills will grow.
