How to Stop Overthinking: The Hidden Cost Slowing Your Progress
- Ryan Stoddart
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
How to Stop Overthinking: Break the Paralysis Loop
Every day, you make hundreds of decisions. Some small, some big, but each one takes mental energy.
Example: Sarah spent 3 weeks “researching” a $97 course. By launch close, spots filled, she earned $0.
At first, you weigh your options. You analyze the pros and cons. You try to make the best choice.
Then… you second-guess yourself. What if you are wrong? What if you don’t have enough information? What if there’s a better option you haven’t considered yet?
The result? Decision fatigue sets in. You hesitate. You waste time. You feel mentally drained before you even take action.
Indecision is costly. It slows you down, adds stress, and makes every decision feel heavier than it needs to be. But the good news? Decisiveness is a skill that can be developed and improved through training.
Studies show overthinkers waste 7+ hours/week on stalled decisions (HBR).
Why We Second-Guess Ourselves (And How It Works Against Us)
"You read 47 reviews for a $50 blender...still undecided."
Overthinking isn’t just about wanting to make the “right” choice. It is driven by a few key factors:
Fear of Mistakes – You might feel that only a perfect decision is acceptable, making anything less feel like failure. Research suggests that nearly 70% of people report having a fear of making wrong choices.
Information Overload – The more options presented, the harder it becomes to commit. A survey found that people presented with 10 choices were 45% more likely to delay their decision than those with three options.
Lack of a Decision Process – When there is no structured method in place, every decision feels like starting from square one.
The reality is that there is no perfect choice. The aim isn’t to be flawless; it’s to be clear, confident, and ready to move forward without hesitation.
One Simple Framework to Make Decisions Faster
If you find yourself stuck in doubt, consider shifting to a simple method that can make decision-making faster and easier.
The 5-5-5 Rule
When you're caught in analysis paralysis, ask yourself:
Will this decision matter in 5 minutes?
Will it matter in 5 weeks?
Will it matter in 5 years?
This framework gives perspective and prevents you from viewing minor choices as monumental. It helps you prioritize what really matters, leading you toward action.
Empower Your Choices: Overcome Indecision with the 5-5-5 Rule
By using the 5-5-5 Rule, you streamline your decision-making process.
For instance, consider what to have for lunch. In 5 minutes, that lunch will simply curb your hunger. In 5 weeks, it's unlikely to matter. And in 5 years? The meal might not even register in your memory.
This method allows you to focus on decisions with long-term impact, conserving your mental energy.
Decisiveness Is Not About Making the “Right” Choice; It Is About Training Your Mind to Act
What happens when you train yourself to be decisive?
You stop wasting time and energy on unnecessary stress
You gain confidence in your ability to handle uncertainty
You build momentum instead of staying stuck in hesitation
Final Thoughts
Improving decisionmaking under pressure is a skill that can be nurtured through practice and self-awareness.
By understanding why you hesitate, using frameworks like the 5-5-5 Rule, and trusting your instincts, you can make choices with more confidence.
Remember, it is perfectly fine to make mistakes and embrace imperfection.
With patience and consistent effort, you can become a more decisive individual, capable of making choices that align with your values and goals.
If you are tired of overanalyzing every decision, imagine having a strategy that keeps you focused, decisive, and in control. That is what we build together.
By applying these strategies, you will discover that decision making becomes less intimidating and more empowering, helping you move forward without second guessing yourself.
