Analysis Paralysis: The Wet Cement Trap

Has the universe ever handed you an idea so electrifying you could feel it buzzing in your bones—only for you to sit on it? To turn it over and over in your mind until all the excitement drained out like air from a balloon?

I have. And honestly, it’s such a waste of time and inspiration.

What I’ve noticed is this; I was gifted that idea. The spark. The energy to act. And then I let perfection and fear creep in. They didn’t arrive loudly, either—they slipped in quietly, disguised as “thinking things through” or “just waiting until I’m ready.” Before I knew it, what I thought would be a few days—or maybe weeks—of hesitation turned into years.

Years!

It feels like stepping into wet cement, thinking you can just wiggle free at any moment… until it hardens around you.

The Day I Started Picking at the Cement

Yesterday, I decided to chip away at that cement. To finally take action on something I’d been overthinking for far too long.

And you know what I noticed? My brain didn’t want me to.

It whispered: “This is uncomfortable. We’re safe right here. No need to move forward.”It was more aligned with the comfort of not moving forward—the familiar routine of overthinking—than with the discomfort of taking action.

So I did something radical, I got started without my brain’s permission.

Starting Without Full Alignment

We’re told to “wait until it feels right,” but honestly? If you wait until your whole system is fully on board, you might never start.

Sometimes, you have to do it scared. Do it without your brain’s blessing, without everything feeling perfectly aligned. The wild thing is—it won’t take long before the rest of you catches up.

It reminds me of being in a store with my distracted kiddo. I’ll say, “Let’s go,” but she’s absorbed in something shiny. If I stand still, she’ll stay there forever. But if I start walking without her, she suddenly comes running—and within seconds, she’s in front of me.

Our ideas are like that. If you start moving, even imperfectly, your momentum will call the rest of you forward.

Breaking Free From Analysis Paralysis

Here’s the truth:

• You’re not “waiting until you’re ready.” You’re practicing staying stuck.

• Overthinking feels productive, but it’s a trick—it’s the brain’s way of avoiding discomfort.

• Action—not more thinking—is what shakes you loose.

So here’s my invitation to you (and to me): Take one step. Today. Even if you don’t have the whole plan. Even if your brain is pouting in the corner.

You might be surprised how quickly you find yourself running forward!