Conquering the Overthinking Monster

A Personal Guide to Inner Peace

Photo by Ian Stauffer on Unsplash

Juggling family life with the demands of professional life can feel like a constant mental marathon. One minute you’re chasing deadlines, the next you’re wrestling laundry. It’s easy to get stuck in an overthinking loop, worrying about finances, to-do lists, and whether you’re doing enough of both.

Believe me, I’ve been there. I used to be the king of overthinking. But after countless nights spent staring at the ceiling, I finally decided to fight back. Here are the four steps that helped me silence the overthinking monster and reclaim my sanity:

Step 1: Taking the Leap

As a writer, I constantly generate new ideas. The problem? I’d jump from one project to the next, never finishing anything. My solution? A two-part system:

1. Capture the Idea: I use Trello (or any app you like) to quickly jot down ideas.
2. Let it Simmer: I give myself a night to sleep on it. Our brains process information even when we’re resting. By allowing some space, the idea often transforms into something better the next day.

This “sleep on it” approach might seem counterintuitive, but it helps me avoid impulsive decisions and wasted energy.