Being who you are, but what if you’re an “over-thinker”?

There’s so much I want to do, but I get hung up on individual ideas & minute details.

Sound familiar?

Certainly, this describes me. I am an “over-thinker”.

In most instances, it’s fine. My decisions are well thought-out, everything is planned for, and I have zero regrets.

In others, it is a major self-imposed road block.

I can’t accomplish what I want to accomplish, because I’m stuck in my own mind.
It’s like my brain is a rolodex flipping through all the “Hows”, “Whys”, “Why Nots”, “What Ifs”…

It becomes too much.
I feel stuck & nothing gets done.
Then, I feel bad that nothing is getting accomplished.
…& then, my mind has the nerve to rush me with “Hurry ups”.

So…how does one escape their own head, push past over-thinking, & start to get things done?

• Breathe.
• Be aware of the moment your thoughts turn from consideration to “analysis paralysis”.
  When you begin to feel “stuck”, and realize your thoughts are preventing you from taking action, grab a sheet of paper.
• Write it down, prioritize, and weigh the pros & cons.
  This always helps me. Writing down my thoughts, forces them out of my head. Organizing them, brings clarity. Forming a list of pros & cons (when dealing with pretty big decisions), makes it easier to come to a decision that I feel confident about making.
• Make a decision & take action.
  Get started by taking a step, or a leap. It doesn’t matter how small or big you go, as long as you’re going. Do as little, or as much, as you feel comfortable doing.
• Keep going.
  After you take that first step, your “feets” are in motion. Proceed the “walk”, run even, until that thing is done!

Optional:

• Give yourself a deadline.
  If you have problems taking action, set a timeline & don’t let yourself off the hook until you’ve completed the task by that specific time. If you have issues holding yourself accountable, get someone else in involved. Ask for help.
• Rid yourself of distractions.
  If you’re easily distracted when getting started, disconnect from the things that are distracting you. You may have to turn off your phone for awhile, or “un-ping” the pinging prompt for new email messages…unplug the TV, log off email/social media sites/blog readers, to help you focus.

Are you an “over-thinker”?
Please comment & share your tips for dealing with your thought-filled mind.