Analysis Paralysis

What a great place to begin this journey of sharing the education that my father has given me through the years. Revisiting this lesson - called 'Analysis Paralysis' - is why I finally decided to begin blogging, and sharing these thoughts. Recently, I believe that - as so many parents do - my dad has started questioning, now that it is too late to change the past, if he was a good father. To be honest: he was less than perfect. That's right. Accept it. Dad's are human like everyone else, and they are less than perfect. They argue with Mom's sometimes, wrongly scold you for something you never did, or even - God forbid - forgive a little too often or easily.

As I was thinking about my Dad's plight, it occurred to me that I should find a way to tell him all of the great things he did for me; why the sacrifices he made are so valuable. Great effort was spent considering a method for sharing my thoughts and feelings; deliberation on delivery, and the moment of pride when the message was received. How was I going to share this very important gift with my Dad. How would I tell him? It must be perfect.

That is when I revisited on of the ideas that Dad shared with me while I was growing up. He talked often of an illness he called 'analysis paralysis'. Basic concept: If you allow yourself to focus on the details so much that you fail to be able to take action, then you will be unable to accomplish anything. You suffer from analysis paralysis.

Considering this concept, I decided that I would just begin to write. Displeased with what I was writing, I began to toss thoughts aside and hope for something better to come along. Finally, I realized that I was falling into a trap, and I must take action. I have gathered up all of the minor writings that I have assembled, and will be posting and developing them here - on this blog - In The Living Years: 52 of the greatest things my Dad taught me.

Thank you for reading.