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Overthinking:
The art of creating problems that weren’t even there.
During my recent Thrive Experience retreat, a theme that emerged was clarity around the danger of overthinking.
It’s a mental habit that, while common, can be incredibly detrimental to our clarity, our peace of mind and our growth. Overthinking has a way of becoming an invisible barrier, blocking our path to various aspects of life, including creativity, clarity, confidence, progress, and taking action. It’s like a mental traffic jam, slowing down our journey towards our goals.
Have you ever found yourself caught in the overthinking trap?
I know I have. It’s that feeling when your mind is racing, analysing every possible scenario, and you’re left feeling paralysed by a flood of thoughts.
But the truth is, overthinking rarely leads to better decisions. It’s like trying to swim with an anchor tied to your leg—it’s exhausting! And it can lead to decision fatigue, anxiety, and a lack of forward momentum.
So, what can we do about it?
First, it’s worth considering if it’s an effective strategy for you. I’m very clear that it isn’t for me or the people I work with.
When you’re clear that it isn’t, one solution is to become more aware of when we’re slipping into overthinking mode. When you catch your mind moving in that direction, gently bring yourself back to the present. Ground yourself in the here and now, use your breath to help or anything that works for you.
Another solution is to break tasks and decisions into smaller, more manageable steps. Sometimes, the enormity of a task can trigger overthinking. By taking it one step at a time, you can make progress without overwhelming yourself.
Clarity often comes from taking action, not endless contemplation. So, when you find yourself stuck in the quick-sand of overthinking, take a step forward—even if it’s a small one.
This week, challenge yourself to be more aware of your thought patterns and to take positive action, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Progress usually requires us to move beyond our comfort zones.
Don’t let overthinking stand in your way of achieving your goals and living your best life.
Best,
Shane
Join Me For ‘The Inside Track’ – A One-Off 7 Day Email Series – Start This Friday:
To celebrate the launch of my new book The Inner CEO on Friday 20th October I’ve created a one-off 7 day email series which starts on the 13th October (i.e this coming Friday!). I’m going to share some unique things which will include:
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The Inner Edge Podcast: Short, bite-sized nuggets designed to give you motivation and plenty of inspirational food for thought. Listen on my website here or on all major podcasting platforms.
This week’s episode: 148: Interview With The Soulful Psychologist, Niamh Hannan
