Why We Overthink: Overthinking often comes from fear; fear of failure, judgment, or the unknown. It’s like your brain’s trying to protect you, but ends up holding you back. Studies show overthinking can increase stress by 20-30% (Psychology Today, 2024). The good news? You can train your mind to act instead of spiralling.
3 Practical Tips that can help:
- Use the 5-Minute Rule: Commit to working on a task for just 5 minutes. Starting is often the hardest part, and momentum can then kick in. Try it with something small, like writing one sentence for a project.
- Write It Out: Jot down your thoughts in a quick brain dump. Seeing them on paper makes them less overwhelming. Then, pick one actionable step to focus on.
- Set a Decision Deadline: Give yourself a specific time limit (e.g., 10 minutes) to make a decision on something small. For bigger choices, sleep on it, but set a firm deadline (e.g., 24 hours).
My Experience I used to overthink every blog post I wrote, worrying it wouldn’t be perfect. The 5-minute rule changed everything—I’d start typing, and suddenly, ideas flowed. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about starting.
Try one of these tips today. What’s one thing you’re overthinking right now? Share in the comments or join the discussion.
