Overthinking and Perfectionism: How it’s Holding You Back from Greatness
Overthinking and the need to be perfect is a big reason why most people don’t start new ventures. The sad part is, it can be for anything like starting a business, a challenge, diet, making a big purchase. . . you name it. The fear of failing has so much power that it can prevent us from taking the first step forward! So what happens when fear kicks in? We go into planning mode, where we overthink and “plan” for days that turn into months and months that turn into years. Next thing you know, it’s several years later and you’re still trying to figure out that perfect plan! We use taking time to think and plan as an excuse not to start, simply because we’re scared. So here’s some ways to stop overthinking and overcome the need to be perfect!
Address Your Fears Head On
Why exactly are you scared? List the fears that are you holding you back from starting that new venture/journey. Don’t overthink this, just write out whatever fear comes to mind. When I did this, my biggest fears were failing, losing money, being overworked and my audience not responding how I expected them to.
See the Light
Now that you have those fears listed out, find the positive outcome in each of them. So if you fail, what’s something positive from that experience? I’d personally say, failure brought a learnt experience so I now know what not to do again in the future.
Read the Story of Your Biggest Inspiration(s)
I put this on the list because it really helped me overcome my fears from starting my businesses and this blog. When you read other people’s stories (who are very successful) you’ll see that they all had to start from somewhere. 99% of them didn’t know what they were doing and was learning as they went along. You’ll also most likely read, how they failed numerous times before reaching their breakthrough to success! Most of them will allude to how those failures helped them get to where they are today. The point of this is to understand that you’re not alone and the feeling of fear/perfectionism is completely normal!
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Don’t Think, Just Execute
Now that you’ve addressed your fears, brought light to them and see that everyone starts somewhere. . . it’s time to execute. This is the time where you don’t think, you just do! You don’t need to have a plan of action to the top or worry about being perfect because neither exists. All you have to do is take the first step towards and get that momentum rolling! Once you begin to get comfortable with taking steps blindly, you’ll be better prepared to handle the outcomes that come your way.
Stay Consistent and Keep Learning
If you’re not consistent with execution and continuing to learn, then you’ll definitely fail! With anything, consistency is key and continued learning is the icing on the cake. The more we learn new things, the better prepared we can be for the next steps.
Strive for Greatness
Now that we know perfection is non-existent, it’s time to strive for something else. . . and that my friends is greatness! Impact others positively by sharing your experiences and being honest with yourself and others. Strive to be the very best that you can be and I promise the positive outcomes, support and connections will come your way!
I hope these tips help you to overcome the never ending “planning” stage and road to perfection! Remember, people connect with those who they can relate to. So be honest during your journey, bring light to your mistakes (if you’re comfortable) and strive to become better everyday! What are some of your ways to overcome perfectionism and overthinking? Please let me know your tips in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe!
Until next time ASSASSINS. . . Stay Disciplined!
Let’s be friends!
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Overthinking has to be one of my biggest issues. Many times it causes me to be stagnant. Thanks for sharing ways to overcome.
Yes, overthinking is a huge hurdle that we all have to overcome! Thank you for reading!!
Both of these are my weakness. I tend to overthink more often than I’d like to admit, so I am slowly working to correct this.
Nailil
http://www.thirtyminusone.com
O yes … I am the queen on not thinking but executing. It is scary sometimes but it helps you get a lot accomplished.
I was like this at first too… once you take the first step you’ll continue to keep moving forward!
This is a very eye catchy post. I enjoy reading it. because it has great advice about overthinking and perfectionism. This is very helpful. Glad you shared this.
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am a (not so proudly) adventurous woman and I have always chosen the path that led to my dreams, even though it wasn’t the safe path. I’m a constant thinker, but I do not overthink. Who has time for that?
Lots of people have time for overthinking Nati. This is the precise point of the article…which seems to be missed by people who would rather use it as a soapbox to outline their own ability to think… without the ‘paralysis by analysis’ overthink that cripples many, like me. If I was able to think without overthinking,then I wouldn’t even be on this page! Beggars the question as to why anyone else without this crippling daily blockage would come here too! This just outlines society’s inability to empathise with something that falls outside of their experience. Meanwhile, I’m just off to find a forum for people with lower limb disabilities…to outline how fast I can run!
This is a great post full of really great advice for overcoming the overthinking and perfectionist in us. Your advice is really helpful and will surely help anyone who is struggling.
I have gotten much motivation from your article because from months I am thinking to publish my 1st poetry book. But the thoughts like which publishing house will be best to approach is keeping me away from doing the actual work. Thank you dear for motivating me. 😊