The Biggest Waste of Time (Letting Overthinking Hold You Back)

Read time: 3 minutes

I recently pulled the trigger on a decision I’ve been going back and forth on for most of this year. The reason it took me so long? My own overthinking.

But I’m excited to finally start talking about it with you here soon.

Candidly, I’ve always been an overthinker. So, I can express this sentiment with 100% confidence:

Overthinking is the biggest waste of time in your life.

We all do it—tossing and turning in our minds about decisions we need to make. It feels like you’re stuck in quicksand, watching others move forward while you remain paralyzed by doubt. You wonder if you’re making the right choice, leading you to second-guess yourself time and again. The truth is, this endless loop of overanalyzing doesn’t just waste time; it holds you back from living the life you truly want.

But what if I told you that the key to breaking free lies in your actions, not just your thoughts?

Today, we’re going to explore how overthinking keeps you stuck and why taking action matters more than the decision itself.

Let me explain.

Understanding Overthinking

Overthinking can feel like a nagging voice in your head that questions every move you make. It’s that relentless analysis that keeps you up at night, weighing options until you feel paralyzed.

This usually happens when we fear making the wrong choice or feel the pressure to be perfect. The irony is that the more we think, the less we act.

The Cost of Overthinking

The cost of overthinking is steep. It chips away at your productivity, making simple decisions feel monumental.

You lose confidence with each moment spent doubting yourself, and before you know it, weeks, months, or even years have passed by.

I almost let that happen this year. I wasted months playing tug of war with my thoughts, talking my wife’s ear off, and doubting myself about a project I’m genuinely excited about—because it aligns with what lights me up: helping people build a meaningful life for themselves (that extends beyond minimalism).

And I’m excited to finally start talking about Clarity Lab with you very soon.

Flipping the Script

Recognizing the toll that overthinking takes is the first step toward reclaiming your time and confidence.

Here’s the truth: 90% of overthinking comes from the single flawed belief that the decision is what matters. Ultimately, the outcome in any given situation is governed far more by the actions that follow a decision than by the decision itself.

This shift in mindset can change everything.

Instead of fixating on making the “perfect” choice, focus on the actions you can take to bring your decision to life.

Make a decision, then make it right through your actions. 

Overthinking has taught me that action breeds clarity. The more you act, the more you’ll learn what works for you and what doesn’t.

Taking a Tactical Approach to Overthinking

As you can see, I’m not perfect. I’m growing on this journey alongside you, so my overthinking still occasionally gets in the way. But I refuse to allow it to hold me back more than it already has.

Here are two additional tactical approaches I’ve learned:

1. Reframing Fear: Whenever fear creeps in, ask yourself—do I see Fear as False Evidence Appearing Real, or am I ready to Face Everything And Rise? Choose the latter and watch your perspective shift.

2. The Weekly Reset: Not every decision is set in stone. Take time each week to ask yourself: What’s working? What’s not? Where can I make changes? This regular check-in can help you course-correct and gain momentum without the pressure of perfection.

Bottom Line

Overthinking doesn’t just waste time; it robs you of opportunities and experiences. By embracing action, you unlock confidence, clarity, and the ability to create the life you want.

So here’s your action step:

Identify one small decision you’ve been overthinking. Make that decision today, and take one step forward within the next 24 hours.

Trust that action will lead you to clarity.

Remember, you have the power to break free from overthinking. Let go of the doubt and step into the possibilities that await you.

See you next Sunday, my friend!