Overthinking - The Silent Saboteur of Action
- Tim Thürnau
- Nov 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Hello friend,
Ever caught yourself spinning in circles, trying to make the “perfect” decision, only to find that, by the time you’ve made up your mind, the moment’s passed? If you’re reading this, I bet you’ve been there. Welcome to the club. The truth is, most of us are more than capable of building the life we dream of, but there’s one little thing that holds us back: overthinking. Yep, that nasty habit of turning every decision into a mental Olympics event.
Let’s dive into why overthinking keeps us stuck, and how to overcome it with a few simple mindset shifts that’ll get you out of your head and into action.
The Decision Is Less Important Than What Comes Next
Here’s a truth bomb: We obsess over decisions as if they’re the grand finale. Spoiler alert—they’re not. The decision itself is just the opening act. What really matters is what you do after you decide.
Take it from me, I’ve made plenty of “bad” decisions in the past. But looking back, most of them went wrong not because I picked the “wrong” path, but because I didn’t put in the consistent effort to make them right. Think of it like this: the decision is just the spark, but the actions you take afterward are what keep the fire burning.
The most successful people I’ve met? They don’t sweat the decision. They make the call, then put all their energy into making it the right one. So, if you’re stuck in decision paralysis, remember: the real power is in what comes after. Make the decision, then make it right.
Trust Your Ability to Adapt, Not Your Plan
I get it—having a plan feels safe. But here’s the kicker: no plan survives first contact with reality. That’s why the explorer doesn’t trust in a perfect map; they trust their ability to navigate when the storms hit. And, newsflash, the storms will hit.
We tend to overthink because we fear the unknown. We want guarantees. But life doesn’t hand out guarantees; it hands out curveballs. So, instead of trying to predict every twist and turn, trust in your ability to adapt. When things go sideways, you’ll figure it out. You always do.
So be the explorer. Make a plan, but don’t cling to it for dear life. Trust yourself to navigate whatever comes next.
Most Decisions Aren’t Final (You Can Walk Back Through the Door)
Ever notice how we treat every decision like it’s life or death? Like once we choose, we’re locked in for eternity? It’s funny how we make the simplest decisions seem irreversible. Guess what? Most of them aren’t.
As Jeff Bezos once said, there are two types of decisions: one-way doors and two-way doors. The first type is rare—once you walk through, you can’t turn back. But most decisions, especially the ones we overthink, are two-way doors. You can walk through, check things out, and if you don’t like what you see, guess what? You can walk back.
So, next time you’re freaking out over whether to quit your job, move cities, or start something new, ask yourself: Is this really a one-way door? Probably not. If it doesn’t work out, you’ll leave with valuable experience and more clarity than you had before. And that, my friend, is always a win.
How to Wing It
This week, stop overthinking the next decision in front of you. Pick one thing you’ve been stuck on—whether it’s something small like picking a new hobby or something bigger like a career shift—and just decide. Then, focus on making it the right decision with consistent action. Don’t look back; just move forward. You’ve got this.
Final Thoughts
Overthinking is the thief of action. It convinces you that you need more time, more information, more certainty before you take the plunge. But the truth is, the world isn’t waiting for your perfectly calculated move—it’s waiting for you to act.
Remember, the decision is just the starting point. Trust in your ability to adapt, and know that most choices are reversible. So why not start today? Because the world is yours for the taking, and the only thing stopping you is that extra lap in your head.
Bridging Worlds
If you want to see me wing it, I do a podcast with cool people. You should subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.
This week on Bridging Worlds, I had an inspiring conversation with David Merizalde, an adventurous soul and passionate photographer whose path has been defined by a fearless dedication to authenticity and a deep connection to nature. From his roots in Colombia to his explorations in Australia, Spain, and beyond, David’s story is one of self-discovery, courage, and embracing life’s most beautiful uncertainties.
One of the standout moments? "True happiness comes when you stop living for others' expectations and start following your own instincts, even if it means stepping away from convention.”
In this episode, David opens up about his journey to find meaning, his love for capturing the world through the lens, and the challenges he’s faced in breaking free from societal norms. We dive into the importance of accepting oneself fully, exploring new perspectives, and how transformative travel can be for understanding who we are.
Personally, I found David’s journey incredibly uplifting. His commitment to living with purpose, regardless of obstacles, is a refreshing reminder of the power in following our own path. His experiences and reflections left me pondering the ways we, too, can embrace our authenticity and find peace in the unknown.
If you're seeking inspiration to pursue your passions and redefine success on your terms, you won't want to miss this episode. Join us for a conversation that’s all about celebrating the journey to a life that truly feels like home.
Don’t miss this episode with David Merizalde—tune in this Friday!
Keep winging it, and I’ll see you in the next one.
Big love,
Tim