Analysis Paralysis
Overthinking prevents action and wastes opportunity.
Explanation
This happens when you spend so much time researching and planning that you miss opportunities to take action. While you're still gathering information and weighing options, the world keeps moving. Sometimes the cost of delay is higher than the cost of making a less-than-perfect decision. Analysis becomes paralysis when perfectionism masquerades as thoroughness.
Real-World Example
Startup spends 6 months perfecting business plan. Competitor launches MVP, gets customers, iterates. Guess who wins? Developer debates framework for weeks. Could have built the feature in any framework by now. Single person analyzes dating options so long, all options move on.
How to Apply
Set decision deadlines. Use 40-70 rule: decide when you have 40-70% of information. Perfect info doesn't exist. Action creates information. 'Strong opinions, loosely held.' Remember: not deciding IS a decision—to maintain status quo. Speed of iteration beats perfection of plan.