Avoidance in Disguise: How to Break Free from the Overthinking Loop…
(2 Minute Read Time)
Avoidance in Disguise: How to Break Free from the Overthinking Loop…
Overthinking often feels like planning. It is the act of analyzing, evaluating, and replaying the same thoughts over and over - without taking action.
It sounds pretty harmless overall, maybe even productive at times. However, it is one of the most underestimated roadblocks to progress in any health journey. You can journal, plan, analyze, reflect, listen to podcasts, and read motivational books - but if you never take action what is the point.
Overthinking typically shows up as:
“I’ll start taking care of myself once work calms down.” Work never calms down and your health keeps getting postponed.
“I just need to figure it all out first before I commit.” No one ever figures it ALL out. Clarity comes from doing, not planning.
“There are so many career paths to choose from, I don’t want to choose the wrong one.” Indecision leads to inaction, and time keeps passing by.
The Hidden Cost of Overthinking
When you are constantly in your head, you’re not in your body. And the body is where movement / change happens.
Overthinking results in:
Delays in Action: You spend so long deciding what’s “right” that you never begin.
Drains Energy: Often thinking about doing the thing burns more energy than actually doing it.
Feeds Perfectionism: You convince yourself there’s one “perfect” way to achieve a task, and if you don’t find it, you won’t start.
Reinforces Fear: The more you ruminate on what could go wrong, the more paralyzed you become.
Overthinking is not preparation - It’s procrastination in disguise.
Why We Do It
Let’s face it, we all do it to a certain degree because it often feels safe. When you are in your head, you don’t have to be in actual motion. You don’t run the risk of failure, judgment, or discomfort. We often use it as a delay tactic that keeps us in our comfort zone, but you must remember the comfort zone isn’t where peace is found - it’s where stagnation lives. And health, by its very nature, is movement: Physically, mentally, and emotionally. Overthinking may create the illusion of peace, but in reality it is only creating mental clutter. And when the brain is cluttered, the body stays stuck.
The clarity we are all searching for is found through action, not more thinking.
Some Actions You Can Take to Escape the Overthinking Loop:
Set a decision deadline: Set a 15 minute limit to make small decisions, like what workout you will do or what to prepare for dinner. When time is up, pick something and move forward.
Implement a 24-hour rule: If you are stuck in analysis mode, give yourself 24 hours to make a decision. Just one day, not forever!
Do a “brain dump”: Write down every worry, option, or thought cluttering your mind. Seeing it on paper helps quiet the mental noise.
Commit to messy action: You have to tell yourself “It’s okay if this isn’t perfect. I am building momentum.
Get support: A coach, friend, or accountability partner can help you step out of your head and into your actual life.
Always Remember…
Your health journey is meant to be lived - not just thought about. Progress doesn’t come from perfect decisions; it comes from consistent action. So if you are stuck in your head right now, consider this your nudge! Do the next simple thing. Go for a walk. Drink a glass of water. Prep your lunch . Sign up for a class. Just start, because once you get out of your head and into your life, everything starts to change.
You don’t need more time to think. You need to build the courage to act.