Have you ever had a moment where you spend too much time thinking through a problem, but never really got around to actually DOING anything?
I have.
To attend any reputable grad school in the US, you have to endure this grueling Olympic level task - taking the standardized entrance exam.
For as long as I can remember, standardized exams were my kryptonite. I just couldn’t do them.
I’d go to the library and get every book on them. Then I’d read every blog article on how to study for them. I’d create an outline for my study plan.
Then I’d grab my beautifully designed happy planner and jot down which days I’d study.
I’d outline which sections I’d do on what dates and what I’d study for three months out. After spending several weeks game-planning, I’d crack open the book… and fall asleep in the first 10 minutes of “studying”.
Maybe I needed a different book. This one just wasn’t resonating with me.
And the process of planning and thinking…… began again.
But no DOING.
What is Overthinking?
Thinking deeply about what you’re going to do next to an extreme point where you don’t take action.
In my story, this is where I’m plotting the exercises I’m not actually doing and putting things on a calendar that will never happen. Here, I’m making the classic mistake of overanalyzing what needs to be done from start to finish, without ever making progress.
What does overthinking look like?
Have you ever seen someone tell you exactly how they’re going to do everything right to hit their goals?
Writing a book looks like:
“First, I’m going to write my outline.”
“Then I’m going to write a little bit each day.”
“Then I’m going to get a super hot cover artist.”
“But before I get started, I really have to figure out how I’m going to publish this book.”
Overthinking is when you have a goal that you’d like to accomplish, but instead of moving towards your goal you research every single step, familiarize yourself with the process, consume a lot of information, maybe even purchase courses on the subject…
But you don’t take action.
What causes overthinking and overanalyzing?
The same thing that causes most of our inability to accomplish our goals - fear.
Maybe it’s the fear of disappointing family. Maybe you want something so bad, you’re not ready to experience failure. Maybe you’re afraid of the roadblocks ahead.
All of these things keep you paralyzed in the planning phase.
I historically sucked at standardized exams. I already knew that. That’s why I was afraid to make the commitment. We were incredibly poor and I knew that this was the one thing standing in my way. Why didn’t I want to take the exam.
Because I knew that if I gave it my all, I still might fail. Then I would have no hope. I was afraid of losing my only option at changing our circumstances.
That type of fear will keep you up at night thinking and overanalyzing every detail.
How does overthinking affect your life?
OK, it’s time for some tough love, my friend.
If you’re overthinking, then you’re likely worrying about your future. You’re worried about what happens if you try and fail. You’re likely also worrying about what happens if you don’t try. Then you’re beating yourself up even more for not moving forward.
Saying things like “I should be farther along than this!”
… or “I feel stuck.”
… or “I know what to do, I just gotta do it!”
You feel anxious about the future, but stay stagnant because you’re not making any decisions that move you closer to your goals.
Yes, this is exactly how I felt. Then, I found a way to take action.
So let’s jump in.
How To Stop Overthinking to Achieve Your Dreams
Accept that you don’t know everything.
And no amount of research will give you everything you need to know. You’ll still hit challenges and roadblocks despite the most diligent planning.
Know that you’ll figure it out along the way. You don’t have to know everything before you start.
Find comfort in uncertainty.
Once you’ve been in a few uncomfortable situations and made it through, that feeling of uncertainty isn’t so bad.
It can even be motivation to start figuring things out.
Embrace the messy middle.
You don’t want to look back and realize that you spent the entire journey dreading every step. Embrace where ever you’re at and know that this stage won’t last forever.
Take things light-heartedly and don’t forget to have an occasional laugh at yourself while you’re figuring things out.
Become the person you want to be through action.
Change doesn’t happen without action. You don’t lose weight without changing your eating habits and working out. You don’t build a business thinking about it. You don’t save money without budgeting and opening investment accounts.
Start taking action as if you were already succeeding.
Let go of the outcome.
Things may not end up exactly how you planned. But they could end up better.
And if they end up worse, it will likely bring clarity as to what your next steps should be.
Know that you can always pivot.
If your path doesn’t turn out the way you want or you encounter some unexpected bumps, you can always change your direction.
Sometimes failing at something makes it even more clear which path you should take.
It’s never too late to start down a different path.
How To Stop Overthinking Right Now
If you want to take action right away, try these:
Identify one thing that you are holding yourself back from doing.
Write down one action you can take today that will put you one step close to that goal.
Take that step.
Taking the time to plan for your journey can be crucial to your success. However, many people will never reach success because they let a small decision stand in their way. Which tool is the best? Who’s the perfect person to reach out to? How do I make the right connections?
In reality, the only way you will make progress - any progress….. is to start.
Let’s take that action right now. In the comments, tell us one thing that you’ve been overanalyzing and commitment to taking one action to move forward!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cyrene is a fun and accomplished workshop facilitator, learning and development guru and Human Resources professional. Being at the helm of Thrive Lounge has been a long-time dream. Through vision board workshops she plans to accomplish two-way learning. Sharing her vast years of knowledge to motivate and encourage others; while simultaneously getting the reward of great energy, ideas and questions to ponder back from each group. A super win-win. Please join our Thrive Lounge community so you too can benefit!
