Do You Have T.M.I. Syndrome?

“You don’t need to do any more research.”

Those words are still ringing in my ears.This is what my adviser told me yesterday in a very “as-a-matter-of-fact” tone.

And you know what? I actually felt relieved to hear them.

Research is tied to being knowledgeable about a topic. Having all the bases covered. And being prepared to nail any question that comes my way.

But here’s the thing about research. It gives you all of this external information (often too much) and not enough information about you.

For example, the average career-minded professional who is interested in starting a business one day, would research how to pick a business name…print business cards…incorporate…start a website…and set prices, just to name a few. It’s simple due diligence, right?

Right.

But there’s a point where you cross over from simple due diligence into analysis paralysis or what I like to call T.M.I. (Too Much Information) Syndrome.

When you research, you look externally – outside of yourself. And if your story remotely echoes mine, you have done a phenomenal job at it. But you feel like all the research you’ve done has not spurred you to take action. If anything, it has magnified the things that you don’t know and made you uncomfortable with taking the next step in your business or career.

Here’s the best news I could ever give you about your research journey…

Everything you need to grow, or even start your business is already inside of you.

I reached out to one of my best and brightest clients last week, who engaged in life focus coaching this spring. When I asked how things were going, she responded:

“I’m good! Thanks for reaching out. I was thinking about you the other day. I rewrote my life purpose statement and personal slogan a few months ago and taped it to my kitchen wall for inspiration. I posted it in my dining area so I see it every time I walk into my kitchen. Thanks for all your help with this!”

For more information, visit www.teaiiano.com.

Thomas E. Anderson, II is a vision development coach who enjoys motivating and equipping individuals to pursue personal, professional and organizational goals that lead to a more fulfilling life. He specializes in life focus, vision development and goal acceleration.