Overthinking or Simply Processing?

Every day, I hear the phrase, “I know I’m just overthinking this,” from my introverted Virtual Assistant students. This usually happens when they’re trying something for the first time, whether sending an announcement about their new business, setting up their LinkedIn profile, or simply asking someone for their email address.

Let me fill you in on the good news and bad news about “overthinking...”

The good news is that thinking about and processing information is a superpower for introverts. Introverts can turn chaos into order, remain calm in an emergency, and provide thoughtful solutions to almost any problem.

So, let’s celebrate this and replace the word overthinking with processing and take pride in your ability instead of beating yourself up for “over” doing something.

To accommodate your overthinking processing time, sometimes you’ll need to insert phrases into your conversations like: “Let me think about that,” or I’d like to do some research and get back to you.” This will allow you the thinking space you need to provide a thoughtful solution. Doing that is 100% ok and usually appreciated by the person you’re talking to.

Now let’s jump into the bad news. Sometimes, processing is code for procrastination or paralysis. That’s a whole different ball game. And don’t kid yourself; you know when you’re doing this.

When that happens, it’s essential to get into action by asking yourself these three questions:

1. What’s the worst-case scenario? What’s the most terrible thing that could happen if you update your LinkedIn profile and it’s not “perfect?” Someone will notice your profile (that’s actually good news), they will point out your error, you’ll thank them for having your back, and you’ll make the change.
2. Do I need more information? When you find yourself putting off an action or decision, ask yourself what else you need to move forward. Sometimes it’s advice from a friend, sometimes a quick Google search, and other times, you realize you need to take the plunge. Take charge of your next step.
3. What’s the cost if you don’t move forward? Think about the consequences of not taking your next step. What will be the result? Will you have to stay in the soul-crushing job you hate? Will your debt continue growing until the banks and credit card companies run your life? Will you ever get to travel, take care of your aging parents, and [fill in the blank]?

At any given moment, you’re either spending time worrying about your business or spending time working on your business. So let’s skip the worry part. Working on your business is how you will make your successful business a reality. You don’t need to know all the steps ahead of you - just the next step. And then be brave enough to take it.

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