How to train yourself to be a doer when you’re an overthinker
When it comes to achieving big goals, there’s one piece of advice that almost every successful person dishes out: You have to take action, and do so consistently. In theory, it’s a simple thing. In practice, there are many barriers that make following this advice difficult. One of those barriers is overthinking, a trait that many high-achievers unfortunately share. You know what you need to do,…
Achieving significant goals often involves taking consistent action, but many successful people face barriers such as overthinking. Overthinking can be a common trait among high-achievers, causing hesitation and fear of failure. To train oneself to be a doer in this situation, there are several steps to follow.
First, identify the reasons for overthinking. There are two main categories: some people have a slower decision-making process due to brain wiring and require more time and information to make choices, while others confuse decision-making with overthinking and procrastination. In the latter case, it's essential to investigate the root cause by asking questions about competency, image, or fear of failure.
Next, reframe your thinking by considering what you're capable of. High achievers often fear making mistakes and equate failure with lack of success. However, failure is a part of the journey, not the opposite of success. Instead of focusing on potential setbacks, remind yourself of your capabilities and the work you have already done.
Confront the cost of overthinking, as it may lead to missed opportunities and reduced progress. High achievers sometimes mistake overthinking or procrastination as a quest for excellence, which can negatively impact others. To address this, practice journaling when stuck in an overthinking loop and assess the results created or not created. Additionally, celebrate forward movement and progress rather than perfectionism, as excellence lies in consistently doing your best and improving along the way.
Lastly, commit to healthy habits that support your efforts. Physical well-being can also play a role in overcoming overthinking. By following these steps, you can train yourself to be a doer despite being an overthinker and work towards achieving your big goals.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
