fbpx

Analysis Paralysis

Analysis Paralysis

Candice Williams, MD writes about how doctors hold themselves back by overthinking.

Here’s the thing with doctors, or maybe it’s just me….

We love to analyze things and to overthink!

In the world of entrepreneurship and creativity, it’s good to analyze, but it’s better to act.

 

This was emphasized to me today by a colleague, Amy Fogelman, MD while discussing a new project I’m working on in the arenas of music and medicine.

I told her all the details:

  1. I wasn’t crystal clear on the concept
  2. I get uncomfortable in certain realms of content creation
  3. I wasn’t sure how it would work exactly

I also shared how someone else was already doing the very thing I was ruminating over, and having success.

She simply said, “This is easy. I wouldn’t overthink this. Just do it. Simple.”

I felt as if someone came and threw a bucket of cold water on me.

It woke me up.

 

She (@amyfogelmanmd) simply said, 'This is easy. I wouldn’t overthink this. Just do it. Simple.' I felt as if someone came and threw a bucket of cold water on me. It woke me up. Click To Tweet

 

It challenged me to stop my old, confined way of thinking.

I was holding on to all of my perceived limitations to keep from doing the uncomfortable and the unfamiliar.

In reality, the task at hand wasn’t difficult at all, I had simply been telling myself that it was. All this time I could have had a finished project instead of an idea trapped inside my head, swirling around, looking for someone to bring it to life.

Admittedly, part of this is in my nature, but another part is learned.

 

As an anesthesiologist in training, I learned to check, double check, then triple check! Then check again.

I learned to think of every scenario where something could possibly go wrong and to prepare for the most important thing and down the line. While this is great for safety and patient care, it’s not so great when you want to make something that has never existed.

It’s been made clear to me that in entrepreneurship, checking is great, proof of concept is wonderful, but sometimes it’s ok to Just Do It!

 

It’s been made clear to me that in entrepreneurship, checking is great, proof of concept is wonderful, but sometimes it’s ok to Just Do It! Click To Tweet

 

Fellow physicians, I don’t have any lengthy, flowery message to give, except to say:

Get Unstuck and do the Wild Things that make you Afraid!

You’ll be glad that you did.

Now, I’m off to work on my one wild and crazy dream!

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on SoMeDocs? Find out what we’re looking for here and submit your writing, or send us a pitch.

Share

Earn CME

This learning experience is powered by CMEfy - a platform that brings relevant CMEs to busy clinicians, at the right place and right time. Using short learning nudges, clinicians can reflect and unlock AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sherita D. Gaskins-Tillett, MD

11/02: A Weekend For Me

A Weekend For Me is a time-out for professional women to rest, reconnect with themselves, define their priorities and vision a life that they love.

Affiliate ad

Earn CME

This learning experience is powered by CMEfy - a platform that brings relevant CMEs to busy clinicians, at the right place and right time. Using short learning nudges, clinicians can reflect and unlock AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.

Tweet Me

More from SoMeDocs

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

The True Art of Medicine

The Crafting Doctors

Doctors do some incredible work outside of the exam room. Some even craft! Take a peek at some of our highlighted doctors, here, in this series.

David Norris, MD, MBA

Negotiate as a Physician and Win

Catch this 8-part series, hosted by physician & business consultant David Norris, MD, MBA & produced by Dana Corriel, MD. Learn to be a stronger negotiator with these important tactics.

My “Go To” Spices for Indian Food: Beginner’s Guide

The Doctor’s Food

In honor of our upcoming virtual Lifestyle Medicine conference, we thought it would be fun to share some of what doctors eat (and prepare!), released regularly. Bottoms’ up!

Want More?

Be a part of the healthcare revolution.
Don't miss a thing SoMeDocs publishes!

Disclaimer: SoMeDocs assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, claims, or content of the individual experts' profiles, contributions and courses. Details within posts cannot be verified. This site does not represent medical advice and you should always consult with your private physician before taking on anything you read online. See SoMeDocs' Terms of Use for more information.

follow us

© 2023 SoMeDocs. All Rights Reserved.

Support A Platform that Celebrates Real Doctors

For just $10 a month, you can help keep this openly accessible site available to all & help us sponsor in more doctors.

Interested in the must-read, unique content from our magazine?

I acknowledge that this site is not to be used for medical advice.

Play Video
Our Founder Answers Your BURNING Question

SoMeDocs

“Why should I become a member of SoMeDocs if I already have my own space online?”

What We Bring to the Practice of Medicine

We feature books!

And they’re written by experts!

Site SoMeDocs Logo, square

WANT TO STAY IN THE LOOP?

DON'T MISS A SINGLE CONTENT PIECE.