Do you over-analyze things?
By Cahaya
@cahaya1983 (11121)
Malaysia
September 17, 2015 10:42pm CST
Making decisions is one of the things I don't like to do, so yes I do tend to over-analyze, sometimes.
For most people, it's just an act of being extra careful and vigilant about certain things and situations. But do you know that if you're over-analyzing because you're too overwhelmed and obsessed with lack of information and uncertainty of the outcome, it can be considered a mental disorder?
Aboulomania - that's what it's called. This is an extreme case, of course. It disrupts one's ability to function socially. Most people's indecisiveness don't reach to that extent.
Do you often over-analyze things? Can you think of a situation that you over-analyzed?
17 people like this
19 responses
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
18 Sep 15
So I suppose you don't have trouble making decisions like I do. 
1 person likes this
@sofssu (23662)
•
18 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 No I usually don't have any trouble making decisions. I make it quick and clean, but I consider a lot of things before i get there and I don't look back.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 15
@sofssu Good for you! I take quite a while to make up my mind, especially if my decision would affect others. But like you, once the decision is made, I don't look back.
I take quite a while to make up my mind, especially if my decision would affect others. But like you, once the decision is made, I don't look back.
@redvakaurvaki (4216)
• Indonesia
19 Sep 15
In one side, I can be so careless, but in another side, I could be that over analyze. Especially these days, there are a lot of fraud information that create for abusing purpose. That's horrible. Same with @LadyDuck, I prefer to spend time to analyze thing before deciding
2 people like this
@redvakaurvaki (4216)
• Indonesia
21 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 Thanks for good people who keep sharing information about fraud and scam, and it really increase my awareness as well. Before that I know less and can be so care less about security
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 15
Oh yeah, it can be tough with all the fraud and scams and what not, these days. I think it's understandable though, if that decision would involve giving away personal information, for instance. You can never be too careful in those situations.
1 person likes this
@owstalaga (4707)
• Philippines
18 Oct 15
omg, i do this all the time. I have cut down on this though so it's not too much of a problem anymore. I need to live my life more outside of my head. 
1 person likes this
@owstalaga (4707)
• Philippines
19 Oct 15
@cahaya1983 Yeah I'm one of the four types of analysts according to the personality test I took and discussed about.
Maybe if I cut it down some more I won't be one of the four analysts anymore. 
Maybe if I cut it down some more I won't be one of the four analysts anymore. 1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Oct 15
@owstalaga Then just make sure you won't lose that analytical mind altogether!
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Oct 15
Haha it happens. Some of us are just more analytical than others. Good you managed to cut it down though!
1 person likes this
@Rollo1 (16679)
• Boston, Massachusetts
18 Sep 15
I can over-analyze to the point of immobility. Sometimes it just takes me two or three years to come to a decision. Lots of times, if you put off making a decision, life will make it for you. Then, at least, you aren't to blame for it.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 15
I like that! Sounds like a good excuse for me to take my own sweet infinite time before making a decision, at least. Being indecisive is one thing, but sometimes I guess I'm just not interested in making decisions. 
Being indecisive is one thing, but sometimes I guess I'm just not interested in making decisions. 
@LadyDuck (457918)
• Switzerland
21 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 It is better to spend a little more time thinking, there is no need to rush.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 15
That's true. I never believe in rushing when it comes to making decisions. I like to take my time analyzing everything, even for minor decisions.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54189)
• Louisville, Kentucky
24 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 I can't always help it either. It's good for working but not always in our personal lives.
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@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 15
Yeah that's normal, and it certainly has its advantages. I'm like that. I like to get to the bottom of things before making up my mind and I can't say that I've ever regretted doing so.
I'm like that. I like to get to the bottom of things before making up my mind and I can't say that I've ever regretted doing so.1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
21 Sep 15
@simone10 I think I've been told that several times, haha. Sometimes I just can't help it. Like you said before, it's just a part of my nature.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
18 Sep 15
I don't believe in remaining in the state of indecisiveness. I weigh pros and cons of a situation vis-a-vis decision to be arrived at. I won't say I tend to over analyse. I believe in taking a wrong decision rather than remaining in the state of undecisiveness.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
19 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 - I intended to convey - even if my decision turned out to be wrong at a later stage, I take decision, instead of not taking a decision at all.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 15
I agree that you can't always remain in that state, but I also think that over-analyzing and being analytical about certain situations have its benefits. I guess it also depends on what type of decision it is. I sure don't want to make the wrong decision if it can affect others in a negative way. You don't always get a second chance.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 15
@dpk262006 Well that's the thing about making decisions...you just have to.
1 person likes this
@excellence7 (3647)
• Mauritius
22 Sep 15
This adds up to my general knowledge. Thank you for sharing.
I don't usually over-analyze things. I think I have mostly listened to my heart and mind but when both are in confrontation with each other, then I am at lost. This is where, I think, I must start analyzing the details.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
23 Sep 15
You're welcome. You made a good point. I actually do believe in listening to your instinct to a certain extent, but I guess when being analytical is part of your nature you just can't help to over-analyze things, sometimes. The analytical part always gets the better part of me.
@allknowing (130066)
• India
18 Sep 15
I am pretty good at taking deciions but cannot stand anyone that takes years to do that
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130066)
• India
19 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 I suppose it will not be an issue in this virtual world. Go ahead and take years. I will wait.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
21 Sep 15
I am quite impatient many a times and as such, I do not fall in the category of people who over analyze.
I think the only time I went doing over analysis was when I met this girl and realized, I should speak out my feelings for her. And today, she is my wife
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
23 Sep 15
Haha that's a good example of over-analysis. I think I have to admit there is an advantage of being over-analytical when it comes to choosing a life partner!
I think I have to admit there is an advantage of being over-analytical when it comes to choosing a life partner!1 person likes this
@besweet (9863)
• Ireland
20 Sep 15
I over-analyze everything, that's why I have a lot of stress at work. I think it's because I want everything to be perfect and right so I have to think through all of the details. Of course this expands to my personal life as well.
I used to have high expectations from others as well, since I was so strict with myself. Now I have managed to be more relaxed with others and I think it's better for my social relationships.
1 person likes this
@besweet (9863)
• Ireland
21 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 Yes, I understand the work pressure. My boss wants to get the job done and I've learned how to seperate when over-analyzing is useful and when it's time consuming with no reason. Doing both is very stressful and we have to work on it in order to keep a balance in work and in life.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
21 Sep 15
That reminds me, I used to have a boss that was over-analytical and my co-workers and I were always under pressure. We had to scrutinize the tiniest details and I thought that was really unnecessary because we spent a lot of time doing that and at the same time had to catch deadlines.
I agree with you that it can create a long-term unfavorable environment in a relationship if it continues. I'm glad you've managed to take things easier now.
1 person likes this
@gregario888 (1276)
• Aurangabad, India
18 Sep 15
As long as the analysis is logical, you are safe. Now you cannot be over-logical, since you become illogical, if you even think of attempting that. If your decisions are based on pertinent info, they are sensible.
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@gregario888 (1276)
• Aurangabad, India
19 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 Anything that beats sense, is easy to tell.
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@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 15
It's logical for the most part, yeah. I do create a lot of what-if scenarios in the process though, although not extreme ones.
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@spleendingo1 (801)
• Grand Haven, Michigan
18 Sep 15
Holy crap. Every decision, everyday! I even over analyze the things I do for fun. For instance I'll watch a TV show but I can't stop thinking that I SHOULD be writing or playing one of many video games I have yet to beat. But if I'm doing one of those things, I think I should be trying to get rid of some stuff on my DVR because it's 80 percent full of useless shows lmao. :)
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 15
Soo....you're over-analyzing all those other things while already doing something else. Hmm. Doesn't sound quite like aboulomania to me. You're good
At least you don't go like... "Should I be writing? No I've to watch that TV show. But wait, what about those video games I've yet to beat? Okay, video games it is. Oh. But if I do that, I'd have the 80% useless shows lurking on my DVR! And what about writing? Argghh I hate all this uncertainty!!" 
At least you don't go like... "Should I be writing? No I've to watch that TV show. But wait, what about those video games I've yet to beat? Okay, video games it is. Oh. But if I do that, I'd have the 80% useless shows lurking on my DVR! And what about writing? Argghh I hate all this uncertainty!!" 1 person likes this
@spleendingo1 (801)
• Grand Haven, Michigan
19 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 I'm always doing something! The issue for me isn't TO DO something. It's just that when I'm doing it I think about doing something else.
Which is what women say when they're with me. lol
I'm glad I'm good with Aboulomania though. That was the name of a chick I met in Africa once....
1 person likes this
@tessastv (273)
• Inverness, Scotland
3 Oct 15
Oh dear. There have been so many times I've over-analyzed things and later regretted for not going with my instict.
I genuinely tend to over-analyze every single thing and I'm pretty sure that's destroying me entirely. I see it as a bad habit of mine and I must put an end to it, surely..
When it comes to big decisions, however, over-analyzing can bring the best in my choices.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
5 Oct 15
I agree. I haven't made any grave mistake for over-analyzing things, but I admit that sometimes it's unnecessary. But when involves big important decisions like you said, I often feel very fortunate that I actually take my time analyzing things - even though I probably spend more time analyzing them than I should.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 15
Oh I'm not an expert in psychology or anything, but I know some people get anxious very easily especially in stressful situations. I think it's better to get an expert's opinion to know if it's anything to worry about. May I know what sort of illness you were referring to?
May I know what sort of illness you were referring to?
@sprite1950 (30453)
• Corsham, England
18 Sep 15
I over analyse because I am a worrier and I like to think of every possible outcome in a situation so if I am worried about anything I will sit here and overthink the situation. Madness really,
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 15
It can be tough, for sure. I used worry a lot (unnecessarily too!) but now I think I've managed to reduce that. I'm just indecisive and there are times that I wish I can conquer that too, but then again I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing.
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
23 Sep 15
I think when we're over-analytical it does happen a lot. You tend to change your mind often and find it hard to make up your mind.
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 15
I think that's totally fine,some people are just more analytical than others.
@jrlcentral (2601)
• Roxas, Philippines
19 Sep 15
I hate to admit it, but I suppose I do over analyze things sometimes that it takes me so much time to decide and take actio.
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 15
Welcome to the club. I do that often too, and I hate it when I do that even for minor decisions.
I do that often too, and I hate it when I do that even for minor decisions.