Saturday, March 26, 2011

Analysis Paralysis

The Nester has gotten me to thinking about risk.  I have always considered myself to be a "can-do" kinda gal.  But I think my perception of myself must be flawed.  I find that I suffer from a malady called Analysis Paralysis.


There is actually a Wikipedia definition for it.

"The term 'analysis paralysis' or 'paralysis of analysis' refers to 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, rather than try something and change if a major problem arises. A person might be seeking the optimal or "perfect" solution upfront, and fear making any decision which could lead to erroneous results, when on the way to a better solution."
Yup.  I have it alright.

I have Grand Plans for getting things done.  The problem isn't motivation.  It's the details that do me in.  For example, I have been working on my main bathroom face lift.  I dove right in by stripping off the wallpaper, patching, and priming the walls.

But now I'm stuck. 

I need to find a shower curtain fabric so that I can nail down the paint color and a new faucet set since I want to replace the brass.  And therein lies my problem.  I am running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to look at every possible option so that I make a wise choice.  I have been to, oh, let's see, FIVE major fabric stores all across the metroplex trying to track down the "perfect" fabric.  First, I don't sew, so I'm already a fabric bolt dolt.



And second, I'm not even sure what the "perfect" fabric is.  Why can't I focus?!  Or be impulsive for once?  Because I'm afraid of making a mistake.  And mistakes cost money.  And I want to be a good steward with my money.  And...

Ditto with the bathroom faucet.  Now there is a big ticket item!  Replacing my basin and tub faucets with mid-level models will probably set me back somewhere around five hundred dollars. And while I would love to go for the less expensive version, a name brand faucet is probably important so that it holds up.  I have been perusing faucet websites for days now, trying to find the best deal.  Do you know how many different styles and brands of faucets there are?  Too many options confuse and overwhelm me.  I think I have decided on a couple of styles I like, and I definitely want to go with classic chrome.  Yay!  A decision!
Delta Victorian


Love the cross handles and porcelain buttons on this one


Another problem is that I doubt my own sense of style.  I like a lot of different styles, but I gravitate towards a romantic cottage or vintage vibe.  But yet I also like the more clean-lined, contemporary offerings of Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel.

Ugh.  Analysis Paralysis.  Calgon, take me away!




Oh wait.  I might need a finished bathroom for that.



2 comments:

Mikey Fuller said...

I know what you mean! I've had 8 dining room tables in the past 3 years! I'm thinking of switching things out yet again! Ha!

Gail said...

I'm so dwelling in the "analysis paralysis land" right now. Doing SOMETHING/ANYTHING will push me out of it. But in the mean time, I'm sipping Disaronno (at 2pm) and enjoying your fun blog.