analysis paralysis

Definition

The state of overthinking a problem to the point where no decision gets made, usually involving seventeen spreadsheets and six committee meetings. Death by PowerPoint's neurotic cousin.

Example Usage

We've been stuck in analysis paralysis for three months—just pick a vendor already.

Origin

Popularized in business literature in the 1980s, though the concept dates to earlier decision theory

Fun Fact

Studies show that having too many options (more than 7-10) significantly increases the likelihood of analysis paralysis.

Source: Management and decision-making literature

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