Overthinking used to be my full-time job. I didn’t apply for it, but somehow, I was working overtime every day. It felt responsible—like I was doing something about my problems by analysing them from every angle. But the reality? Overthinking wasn’t solving anything. It was just exhausting me.

If you’ve ever replayed a conversation in your head 50 times, rewritten an email for the third time, or hesitated to take action because what if it’s not perfect?—I see you. I’ve been you. Let’s get you out of the mental maze.

Why We Overthink

Overthinking is often driven by fear of failure, fear of regret, or fear of the unknown. It tricks us into believing that if we think long and hard enough, we’ll arrive at the perfect answer. Psychologically, it activates our fight-or-flight response, making us feel like thinking more is a way to stay safe. Spoiler: It’s not.

The truth is, overthinking isn’t actually thinking—it’s rehearsing fears in disguise. It’s like being stuck in a mental washing machine, spinning the same thoughts over and over without ever feeling clean.

The Hidden Costs of Overthinking

• Mental Exhaustion – Your brain wasn’t designed to spin on the same problem endlessly. It drains your energy, leaving you too tired to take action.
• Missed Opportunities – While you’re stuck analysing, someone else is out there doing.
• Increased Anxiety – The more we dwell on what-ifs, the more we convince ourselves the worst will happen.
• Creativity Blocker – Overthinking doesn’t just drain energy—it kills creativity, too. You can’t make space for new ideas when you’re stuck replaying the old ones.

How to Break Free from Overthinking

✅ Recognise the Loop – The moment you catch yourself spiralling, say out loud: “I’m overthinking this.” This disrupts the cycle.

✅ Give Yourself a Decision Deadline – No more open-ended analysis. Set a timer—5 minutes, 24 hours, or a week, depending on the decision. Then, act.

✅ Shift to Action Mode – Overthinking thrives in hesitation. The best way to beat it? Do something imperfectly.

✅ Reframe the Fear – Ask yourself: What’s worse? Making a mistake or staying stuck forever?

✅ Write It Down – Overthinkers often have messy, tangled thoughts. Journaling helps declutter your mind, making decisions feel clearer.

Final Thought

Overthinking is like trying to drive with the handbrake on. It holds you back from moving forward. I help people replace overthinking with meaningful self-reflection—and the difference is life-changing. What’s one decision you’ve been overthinking?