Analysis to paralysis

Prepineer Digest 012

Analysis to Paralysis

We’ve all heard the saying that “perfect is the enemy of good”…and this rings true for so many of you trying to start studying for the FE Exam. One of our greatest qualities, and struggles, as engineers is our attention to detail, the striving for perfection in everything that we do. We naturally overthink in an effort to ensure quality – as we should.

But, when striving for perfection becomes a significant obstacle, keeping us stuck and not progressing in our careers, then it must be addressed.

Think it through first…

Today, I say forget that.

Most of us just need to take a step and begin studying for the FE Exam, but overthinking that crucial first action is the very thing that is holding so many of us back from doing anything at all.

Over the years, we have been conditioned to (over)think through the things we do.

We were taught to analyze every single aspect of a pursuit to ensure the likelihood of the result would bring us some benefit in the end.

In theory, this is great, but at the same time, it has been to the detriment of so many people I know.

Analysis has become paralysis for many of you.

No longer are we analyzing the real tangible benefits of a pursuit, but whether we have enough time to do it at all.

When the subjectivity of your personal circumstances become the center of analysis, you’ve entered the realm of seeking comfort over growth.

So for a moment, why don’t you analyze that.

Analyze the comfort as the pursuit, because let’s be real, that’s what it has become.

Listen, I get that thoughts about studying for the FE Exam can bring heavy emotions that are so uncomfortable that we naturally want to reroute our direction so that we don’t have to feel them – which works…

Until it doesn’t.

Yes, we can numb in the moment, but know, that by rerouting our dreams and aspirations today, we are saying yes to the temporary comfort that it brings, and that in and of itself becomes the pursuit.

Then 5, 10, 15+ years go by and we realize that we are sitting in the same cubicle, doing the same things for the same people.

At this point, there is no avoiding it.

It’s real, and getting more real each and every day as you feel the pressures mount against your once lively career.

You wake uninspired, dread the commute and resort to eyeballing the clock religiously counting the moment you are off.

Instead of numbing the emotions, the emotions are now numbing you.

It’s natural to move to protect yourself in times of uncertainty – but we need to stop pretending as if pushing those things we know will improve our overall quality of life off now will end up doing us any good in the long run.

That’s a hoop dream.

So today, let those emotions flow.

Feel them, embrace them and ultimately lean in to them.

Your greatest growth has always come outside of your comfort zone, let’s get uncomfortable.

We are here to help.

As always, with love, Prepineer