Finding Your Rhythm: How Overthinking is Guaranteed to Hold You Back
I’ve been trying to master a song by The Strokes for weeks. I’ve watched tons of drum covers on YouTube, analyzed every detail, and even embarrassed my husband by air drumming in the car.
But you know how it goes. The harder I tried, the more impossible it felt. I slowed it down, broke it apart, and counted every beat like I was solving an equation. I treated it like a math problem instead of music. And every time, it got worse.
Then, yesterday, I literally said aloud, “STOP OVERTHINKING IT. I let go of the control and perfectionism for just a few minutes. And guess what?
I nailed it. 🤘
Now, I could just be here to brag about my drumming (and honestly, maybe I am), but there’s a bigger lesson here.
A woman in a yellow shirt practices drums with her instructor.
Overthinking Keeps Us Stuck
I see it all the time with my clients. They experience hesitation in meetings, struggle to start a new project, and avoid jumping into conversations. We often get so focused on “getting it right” that we aren’t even fully present in our own lives.
The key isn’t always more analysis. It’s trust. Trusting yourself enough to let go of perfection and just do the thing.
So, if you’ve been stuck in your head lately, try loosening your grip. You might finally find your rhythm. 🎵
A woman in a blue and white plaid shirt plays drums.
Three Ways to Reduce Overthinking
If you find yourself constantly overanalyzing, here are three strategies to break free from the cycle and move forward with confidence:
Set a Decision Time Limit – Overthinking often stems from indecision. Give yourself a set amount of time to analyze the situation, then make a choice and move on. For example, if you’re stuck drafting an email, set a five-minute timer, write it, and hit send.
Shift Your Focus to Action – Instead of staying trapped in thought loops, take one small step. If you're hesitating to speak up in a meeting, start by making one short comment. If you're struggling to start a project, outline just the first step. Action reduces doubt.
Practice Letting Go of Perfection – Perfectionism fuels overthinking. Remind yourself that mistakes are part of growth. Embrace the idea that “good enough” often leads to progress, while waiting for perfection keeps you stuck.
At the end of the day, overthinking isn’t a sign that you’re being careful; it’s often a sign that fear is in control. Try taking a breath, trusting yourself, and just going for it.
Now, excuse me while I get back to air drumming. 🤘
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