How to Calm Your Overthinking Mind

Overthinking can be a major obstacle in achieving our personal and professional goals. It can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and even depression. Good news! Escaping the maze of your mind and dodging the roadblocks you set for yourself is totally doable.

Besides being a recovering perfectionist, I am also stepping down from my throne as the ‘Queen of Overthinking’. During the early stages of my career progression, I found that overthinking was a significant barrier. It caused me to miss out on opportunities and held me back from taking chances. Eventually, I learned the importance of releasing the need to control every detail of my life, which allowed me to embrace new opportunities and experiences. Now, I can proudly say I have lived in six cities, worked at seven television stations, switched career paths and launched my own business!

Even as a leader, I frequently second-guessed myself and agonized over decisions I made. This included everything from editorial guidance to personnel issues. It’s natural to want to make the best decisions for your team. However, overthinking can lead to analysis paralysis and ultimately hinder progress. It can also create a negative work environment, as team members may feel micromanaged or undervalued. Finding balance is essential. It’s important to trust your instincts and make timely decisions, while also seeking input and feedback from your team.

By learning to recognize when you’re overthinking and taking steps to calm your mind, you can break free from this cycle. One of the best things you can do is practice mindfulness. This involves focusing on the present moment. Additionally, you may consider trying the following:

• Journaling
• Talking to a friend
• Engaging in a relaxing activity like yoga or taking a walk
• Working with a coach

Additionally, challenging and reframing negative thoughts has been an effective strategy for me to stop overthinking. I assist many of my clients in this area, and you too can also learn to identify and replace negative thought patterns with more positive and empowering beliefs.

With practice and patience, you’ll calm your overthinking mind and find greater peace and clarity in your daily life.

Renee