Before making a big decision, it's wise to gather information. But when does research stop being productive and start becoming a form of procrastination?

Productive research has a clear goal and a stopping point. You are seeking the answer to a specific question, like "What is the average salary for this role?" or "What are the side effects of this medication?". Once you have that answer, you're done with that piece of research.

Spinning your wheels is aimless and open-ended. It involves re-reading the same articles, endlessly browsing forums for "one more opinion," or looking for information that confirms a decision you've already made. This isn't about learning; it's about soothing anxiety.

The safest way to break the cycle is to switch from passive research to active testing. Instead of reading one more review, find a way to get a small, real-world taste of the thing you're considering. This provides data that is far more valuable than another opinion piece online.