Written by: November 19, 2023
If you get stuck in your own head, read this:
Principle-First
For years, I struggled with overthinking.
It was downright debilitating.
Fortunately, I found some strategies that helped.
Today, I’ll share 7 concepts to stop overanalyzing (and live your best life).
SUPERHUMAN SCORING
In every edition of System Sunday, I assess the featured system across three superhuman dimensions: impact, setup, and maintenance.
Unlike your typical review, I focus on factors that influence personal growth. Get to know the evaluation system.
Impact (9.5/10)
Conquer your paralyzing thoughts, and you will:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Enhance your personal productivity
- Act boldly: Approach that attractive girl or guy
- And much more
7 powerful tips to limit overthinking, here we go…
Setup (7.0/10)
1. Morning Pages (Julia Cameron Method)
Empty your mind’s confusing thoughts on paper.
You’ll fill your day with clearer thinking.
The secret? Long-form journaling.
Here’s how:
- Block out 45 mins
- Grab a pen and journal
- Write stream-of-consciousness (unfiltered)
2. The 5 Second Rule
“The moment you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must 5-4-3-2-1 and physically move, or your brain will stop you.” —Mel Robbins.
The 5s Rule improves your ‘locus of control.’ It helps you flip the switch from uncontrolled anxiety to excitement…
According to neuroscientists, 95% of our decisions are based on feelings.
The problem with that: You must first change your behavior to change how you feel.
In the words of Brad Stulberg, “Mood follows action.”
Like jumping in a pool: Count down from 5, and dive in.
3. The 70-20-10 Rule
Perfectionism is more curse, less blessing.
The #1 factor that influences creative success?
The volume of work produced.
Change your mindset with the 70-20-10 Rule (h/t Jonathan Mann):
- 70% of your work will be mediocre
- 20% will suck
- 10% will be amazing
If you’re avoiding failure, you’re avoiding success.
4. Spotlight Effect (Cognitive Bias)
We think people are paying far more attention to us than they are.
Example: Josh worries everyone at work will notice he needs new shoes.
Harsh truth: Your freedom begins the day you realize nobody is thinking about you.
5. Stop Looping, Ask 3 Powerful Questions
If you’re like me, you re-run things over in your mind.
Often, these loops do not serve us.
When you catch yourself in a loop, ask a powerful question:
- Am I present?
- Is this useful?
- Will I care about this in 1 year?
6. Cosmic Insignificance Therapy
“Your life is a firefly blink in the night.” —Naval Ravikant.
See Earth from the POV of the universe.
Cosmic insignificance therapy like this can give you perspective (hat-tip to Oliver Burkeman).
You’ll make your finite time here count.
7. Meditation
“Enlightenment is the space between your thoughts.” —Eckhart Tolle
Training your mind for presence is a badass endeavor.
Enter meditation.
Sam Harris’s Waking Up is the least woo-woo, most science-driven meditation app I’ve encountered.
You'll see results within the week.
Maintenance (7.0/10)
Each of these 7 concepts has helped me limit overthinking.
Start experimenting with a few of them, and see what works for you.
BRINGING IT HOME
I’ll leave you with a powerful quote from my friend, Colby Kultgen:
“Life is short.
You get 4,000 weeks if you’re lucky.
- Book that flight.
- Apply for that job.
- Start that business.
Stop putting limits on yourself.”
Action cures fear.
All systems go,
P.S. I’m offering 1:1 private coaching to executives, founders, and entrepreneurs ready to become thought leaders on LinkedIn. I’ll teach you how to get paid for your expertise and build your dream lifestyle business.
Learn more about my 1:1 coaching program (and read client reviews) here.
