Have you ever found yourself paralyzed by indecision, replaying the same options in your mind like a glitching playlist? Emotional intelligence holds a simple, yet powerful key: the three words “try the experiment.” Intrigued? Hold tight—here’s how this unassuming mantra can help you break free from overthinking and move forward, especially when the stakes (and your anxiety levels) are high.
When Doubt Takes Over: The Paralysis of Overthinking
I remember the very first time I had to hire staff as a new business leader. No prior recruitment experience, plenty of applications. Some candidates looked amazing on paper, others were dazzling in interviews. But… which one was really the right fit? I reviewed CVs over and over. Interview after interview. My uncertainty peaked; I was locked in a cycle of self-doubt, unable to decide and move forward. Sound familiar?
This kind of overthinking is hardly rare. Many people, especially when facing a big decision, get stuck analyzing every single angle: weighing pros and cons, worrying about the outcomes, and considering every possible option. It’s a recipe for analysis paralysis—resulting in hours, days, even months spent circling the same choices with nothing to show for it but rising stress and stagnant progress.
And in a professional setting? Overthinking isn’t just exhausting—it can be seriously harmful, putting your company at risk of falling behind while you endlessly debate which path to take. Sometimes, the cost of waiting far outweighs the cost of acting imperfectly.
The Emotional Intelligence Shortcut: “Try the Experiment”
Over the years, however, I picked up a brilliant technique rooted in emotional intelligence—that is, understanding and managing your emotions to boost your decisions. The centerpiece? Try the experiment.
What does it mean to “try the experiment,” and how can you put it into action when your mind is spiraling?
- Do some research: Start by getting the lay of the land. Understand your situation thoroughly, explore all possible options, and gather different perspectives. This not only brings clarity, but also helps weed out ideas that simply aren’t viable.
- Spot the underlying problem: Ask yourself what’s truly at stake, and—very importantly—if the issue is within your control. If not, perhaps it’s okay to simply let go. If you can influence the outcome, brainstorm a short list of possible actions.
- Shrink your options: An endless list will only overwhelm you. Whittle it down to three choices. Not five, not nine—keep it tight. Decision fatigue hates simplicity.
- Make a pros and cons list: Go old school and jot down the upsides and downsides of each option. This opens the door to objectivity and helps keep runaway emotions in check.
- Set a deadline: Procrastination loves an open calendar. Give yourself a realistic deadline: decide, then act.
- Try the experiment: Pick one option and implement it! Treat your choice as an experiment, not a verdict written in stone. If it works, fantastic! If it flops, remember—you can always pivot and try something else.
Want to know the best part? Even if your experiment fizzles, you’ll gain new data and personal experience, sharpening your judgment next time a similar situation crops up. Sometimes, the real win is learning what not to do.
Failure Isn’t the End—It’s Just More Data
It may sound simple, but embracing “try the experiment” can be transformative. If things go sideways, you’re free to change your mind and confidently move to Plan B. Every misstep arms you with fresh insight for next time. Plus, the mere act of moving forward—rather than stewing—often lands you in a better place, even if you don’t notice it immediately.
Remember: time is often more precious than money. Delaying action can cost just as much as backtracking, especially when you take a long view. Refusing to act is rarely the safest bet.
Making Better Decisions, One Experiment at a Time
Embracing “try the experiment” isn’t just helpful in business; it trickles into all walks of life. When I’m not agonizing over hiring choices, you’ll find me soaking up nature or exploring topics tied to well-being and ecology—fields that, incidentally, demand the same spirit of trial, evidence, and learning by doing. My father likely handed down this appetite for exploration, and I hope to pass it along to my children, too. Every free moment I get, I seize the chance to be outdoors, to test new ideas, and to deepen my understanding of the world.
If you take one thing away, let it be this: don’t let overthinking hold your potential hostage. Run your experiment, gather what you need—win or lose—and move ahead, a little smarter each time. The best knowledge, after all, is lived as much as it’s learned.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
