If you find the answer, write a blog post and share it with all of us. 

Jillian La Rocque Analysis by paralysis does not work. On the other hand shooting from the hip doesn't either.

A pause, of which I am in full support is subjective. Find and use yours

Jillian, In general I'm more biased to doing SOMETHING fairly quickly with the available data, then tracking and adjusting that action as new information becomes available.  Rarely are we going to have a perfect set of information to work with.  No different than pricing a home, we work with comps, the active market, etc., set a price and then adjust if the buying public doesn't react as expected.  Bill

Depends on what the issue is, Jillian. Some matters require action or response in a time frame so it's the best decision I can make in that time. Other things can percolate for months and sometimes benefit from revisiting and new perspectives.

Instinct. When you look back on a decision, do you often find you always know the right choice?

Thats a great question. I would ask if someone in the past has thought you a procrastinator? Then overthinking is the problem.

I think when you are newer in the business you have a tendency to overthink things OR try to plan ahead for things that never happen.

I make quick decisions and have difficulty with people who cannot select a meal off a simple menu   Overthinking something seems like a lack of confidence more than anything else. 

Jillian La Rocque in fact, it should be done based on the situation.

If the seller accepts offers by a specific time, there is NO time to sleep over it!

I don't think there is a safe middle ground...it depends on how major or minor the decision/response/strategy is and what it is. Different scenarios require more weight and thought than others and some life changing things need to be considered more carefully. When you get to the point where inertia has set it, probably best to move forward.

not an overthinker... I am a "just go with it" kind of girl.

I tend to make quick decisions (experience allows me to do that) but do ask questions and gather the facts then analyze before I commit.

That is a whatever works answer.

Think throu the hurdles and assess the outcome. If it will work it probably works by taking some chance.  

No venture no gain.

"He who hesitates is lost"

I'm not sure what you are asking as a measure--time? It's probably different for every situation and every person as we all make decisions differently. And experience can play into the decision process, as well. Lots of decisions can be made more quickly when you have considerable experience behind you to weigh certain alternatives.

It depends on the issue at hand.  Some people have a tendency to over-analyze and never move forward.  

The significance of the consequences.

What to have for breakfast? Choose already!

Buying a nonperforming note or a foreclosed property? Better to dig deep!

The quick response is usually the answer, but sometimes you do have to hink things through. 

Think it through, then sleep on it, as the saying says. Better than acting without thinking.

You answered your own question.   The middle ground.  That's when you have to find yourself.  When overthinking, find the middle ground.  

It is all about the urgency involved with the decision.  For example, buying a home or stock may be a one time, now decision.  Sure there will be other homes and the stock price may be that low again but the right home, price and location or the stock price may not get this low again.  A decision should be made right away if it can be done.  Waiting just means not being ready and it becomes a learning opportunity.  Sometimes it's a good miss other times it's not.

Over thinking generally leads to analysis paralysis, and no decision is ever arrived at.

Best to be quick with these things.