Overthinking is a sneaky habit. It wraps itself in the guise of preparation, convincing us that we’re making progress when in reality, we’re standing still. If you’ve ever hesitated to start a project or chase a dream because it didn’t feel “perfect” yet, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll dive into why overthinking holds us back and how to embrace messy, imperfect action to move forward. By the end, you’ll have three actionable steps to take your first brave step today—and a free resource to guide you.

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Why Do We Overthink?

The Illusion of Productivity

Overthinking gives us a false sense of being productive. We tell ourselves that researching, brainstorming, and preparing are all necessary steps, and while they are helpful, they can also become excuses to avoid taking action. The truth? Overthinking is often just fear in disguise.

Fear of failure, fear of judgment, and the overwhelming number of steps involved in pursuing a dream can paralyze us. We stall, caught in a cycle of planning, and the longer we wait, the more opportunities slip through our fingers.

When Ideas Move On

Author Elizabeth Gilbert beautifully describes in Big Magic how creative ideas are almost alive. They’re waiting for someone to grab hold of them and bring them to life. But when we linger too long in inaction, those ideas may “move on” to someone else who is ready to take the leap.

The lesson here? When inspiration strikes, don’t let overthinking keep you from taking even the smallest action.

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How Overthinking Holds Us Back

1. Stalled Momentum

Overthinking creates a gap where opportunities pass us by. For example, imagine waiting so long to pitch a client that someone else swoops in first. Every moment spent in indecision is a missed chance to grow, learn, and move closer to your goals.

2. Fear Disguised as Preparation

Have you ever spent hours researching the “perfect” tools or methods instead of just starting? That’s fear talking. Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.

3. Missed Lessons in Imperfection

Real learning happens through doing. I vividly remember launching this very podcast. I agonized over every detail for months—format, tech, lighting—only to discover that hitting record and making mistakes taught me more than all that planning ever could.

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Why Action is the Antidote to Overthinking

Clarity Comes from Doing

Here’s a game-changing truth: clarity doesn’t come from thinking—it comes from taking action. When I finally stopped obsessing over the details and hit record on my first podcast episode, it wasn’t perfect. I re-recorded multiple times, made mistakes, and learned as I went.

But that messy, imperfect action? It built momentum. Each step forward gave me more confidence and clarity. Some of those early episodes, imperfect as they were, remain among the most downloaded.

Confidence Through Momentum

Every small action you take builds momentum. Momentum creates confidence, and confidence propels you forward. When you start, even if it’s messy, you’re already ahead of where you were before.

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3 Steps to Take Your First Brave Action Today

1. Pick One Small Thing

Choose a single, manageable action to start with. If you’re launching a creative business, post one photo of your work online. If you’re starting a podcast, jot down a list of three potential episode topics.

2. Set a Timer

Set a timer for 20 minutes and focus solely on that task. No distractions, no second-guessing. Just action. Whether it’s sending an email, calling a potential client, or drafting a social media post, commit to using those 20 minutes to move forward.

3. Celebrate the Win

Progress is the goal, not perfection. Once you’ve completed your action, take a moment to celebrate. You’ve taken a brave step—and that deserves recognition.

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Progress Over Perfection

Starting imperfectly is how you figure things out. Action, no matter how small, is a win. It’s what this podcast—and my entire coaching philosophy—is built on: taking the next brave step, even when it feels scary or uncertain.

If you need more support, I’ve created a free guide, Take the Leap. This resource will help you identify your next step and take action confidently.

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A Quick Challenge

What’s one brave step you can take today? Write it down. Whether it’s in your journal, your notes app, or on a sticky note, make the commitment.

Action beats overthinking every time. And I’d love to hear about the steps you’re taking! Send me a DM on Instagram or tag me in your posts. Let’s celebrate your bravery together.

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Looking Ahead

Next week, we’ll tackle imposter syndrome—the nagging feeling that you’re not good enough to pursue your dreams. If self-doubt has ever held you back, you won’t want to miss it.

Until then, remember: you don’t need an entire plan to take the next brave step. Start messy, start imperfectly, but most importantly, start.

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FAQs

1. What is overthinking, and why is it a problem?

Overthinking is when you spend too much time analyzing or planning instead of taking action. It often stems from fear of failure or judgment and creates a false sense of productivity. This inaction can lead to missed opportunities and stalled momentum.

2. How can I overcome overthinking?

The key is to take small, manageable actions. Start with one task, set a timer for focused work, and celebrate your progress. Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction.

3. Why is action more effective than planning?

Clarity and confidence come from doing, not thinking. Action builds momentum, which creates confidence and helps you learn what works through real-world experience.

4. What if my first step isn’t perfect?

It doesn’t have to be! The goal is progress, not perfection. Every small step forward is a win that brings you closer to your goals.

5. How can the ‘Take the Leap’ guide help me?

The guide provides a step-by-step framework to identify your next action and take it confidently. It’s designed to help you overcome overthinking and move forward with clarity and purpose.

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Taking the first step is often the hardest, but it’s also the most transformative. Remember, progress always beats perfection. What will your brave step be today?