5 Steps to Move from Research to Action
Over the past year, I’ve been deep in financial education—studying, coaching, and working towards financial certifications to complement my business coaching services. (Check out my [new website] to learn more)
But if I’m honest, I’ve caught myself fluctuating between over-researching and overthinking. Maybe more so because finance is a different niche for me.
So, when does learning turn into procrastination?
I’ve gone down plenty of sales funnels, signed up for webinars, reading reports, and evaluated different options. And while I am learning, I also find myself leaping from one decision to another without committing.
In the past, I might have been swayed by a launch event and made an emotional decision out of FOMO. But right now, I’m the opposite—I get stuck in my head, stopping myself from making any decision.
Maybe this is a sign that buying behaviour has changed and that we’re more discerning about what we invest in.
But the reality is: that I have to decide.
I want and need to take action.
If you’re on the precipice of a big decision in your business—whether to invest in coaching, support, or a course—you might be in the same position.
Why We Get Stuck in Overthinking
Psychologist Barry Schwartz coined the term The Paradox of Choice, which suggests that having too many options can lead to analysis paralysis, anxiety, and decision fatigue. We spend so much time weighing the “best” option that we end up making no decision at all.
Sound familiar?
Another theory, The 70% Rule, suggests that you should make decisions when you have about 70% of the information you need—not 100%. Waiting for certainty often leads to stagnation.
5 Steps to Move from Research to Action
- Get clear on your short- and long-term goals.
These don’t have to be big or intimidating, but without a direction, you’ll stay stuck in indecision—or worse, take actions that don’t move you forward.
- Think about the cost of not investing.
“Doubt is a killer. You just have to know who you are and what you stand for.” – Jennifer Lopez
What’s the impact of delaying? Will waiting another six months put you further from where you want to be? What opportunities could you be missing?
- Assess what you already have.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Look at your resources, skills, and knowledge. Do you really need something new, or is it about using what you have more effectively?
- Identify the gaps between what you need vs. what you want.
Not everything shiny and new is essential. Focus on what will genuinely make a difference.
- Get support from a coach or mentor.
Sometimes, we get too caught up in our own thoughts to see things clearly. A coach can help you gain clarity, challenge limiting beliefs, and guide you towards the right decision—without the overwhelm.
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey
Ready to Take Action?
If you’re stuck in research mode, unsure whether to invest in business strategy, or support, I can help. I work with business owners to cut through the noise, make confident decisions, and build a solid financial and business foundation.
Let’s talk. Book a free coffee chat [here] and take the first step toward clarity and action.