Divorce Coaches Academy

Analysis Paralysis, Perfectionism, and the Pitfalls of Overthinking

January 11, 2023 Tracy Callahan and Debra Doak Season 1 Episode 38
Divorce Coaches Academy
Analysis Paralysis, Perfectionism, and the Pitfalls of Overthinking
Show Notes

We're thinking (not overthinking) about our upcoming book club on Jan 25 and our read this month is "Soundtracks" by Jon Acuff. The author tells us that "when we don't control our thoughts, our thoughts control us. If our days are full of broken soundtracks, thoughts are our worst enemy, holding us back from the things we really want. But the solution to overthinking isn't to stop thinking. The solution is running our brains with better soundtracks."

And that got us talking about how we see both coaches and clients get stuck in the trap of overthinking.  The consequence when we overthink is that it makes us feel stuck, and when we feel stuck, we don't take action. We linger and feel worse.

Some of the causes of overthinking for both coaches and clients are:

Rigid thinking: all or nothing, black or white, succeed or fail
Perfectionism: the desire to control the outcome, being risk averse
People pleasing: too much input creates confusion and overwhelm
Lack of confidence: don't trust ourselves to make the right choice
Decision fatigue: overwhelmed by the number of decisions that need to be made

If overthinking is keeping you or your clients stuck, here are some of the tips we talked about:

1. Recognize that you're not taking action and be self-aware that you're stuck
2. Give yourself permission to have a growth mindset, to be imperfect
3. Limit forecasting too far in the future, just take the next right step
4. Assume you might do it wrong because it's your f'ing first time

And a few reflection questions to dig deeper:

Q1: What is the cost if I continue to delay making this decision?
Q2: What's the worst thing that could happen if this choice turns out not to be the right choice for me in the future?
Q3: What am I afraid of?

Put words to your fears and reality test what's really getting in your way. Then you'll be on your way to changing your overthinking from a super problem into a superpower.


You can learn more about DCA™ or find out about any of the classes or events mentioned in this episode at the links below:

Website: www.divorcecoachesacademy.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/divorcecoachesacademy
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/divorce-coaches-academy
Email: DCA@divorcecoachesacademy.com