Overthinking can be a bigger obstacle than failure when it comes to self-improvement. The Overthinker’s Paradox holds that too much thought can keep us from taking the actions that lead to real progress. Here’s how to beat it:
Master the 30-Minute MVP: Start by creating a simple, workable version of your project in 30 minutes. Whether it’s a tool for personal use or a bigger life goal, keep it minimal and focused. This rapid iteration avoids unnecessary complexity and helps you take action.
Celebrate What You Delete: Overthinking often leads to the “sunk cost fallacy,” where you keep pushing a project simply because you’ve invested time. Instead, celebrate when you scrap unnecessary work—this shows you’re learning and evolving.
Share Failed Experiments: Share your mistakes and failures. Whether it’s in a work environment or personally, learning from what didn’t work can foster growth without shame.
Label Edge Cases: Overthinkers tend to focus on rare, unlikely scenarios. By labeling these as “edge cases,” you remind yourself that they don’t need attention right now, allowing you to focus on what’s more practical.
Embrace Feedback on Failures: Getting feedback on what doesn’t work is a sign you’re making progress. If you’re getting input, it means people are engaged and interested. Use it to improve quickly.
Iterate Quickly, Without Hustle Culture: It’s important to move fast, but avoid adopting hustle culture. Fast iteration doesn’t require burnout; instead, it’s about making quick changes and learning from them without stressing over perfection.
Success isn’t about avoiding failure it’s about taking action, learning from the process, and iterating quickly. Don’t let overthinking trap you start doing, and let the feedback shape your next steps.
