Nike was right. Don’t over think it, just do it
May 3, 2024
I thought about meditating for YEARS before I became the person who actually does it every single day. The internal battle looked something like this…
Thought to self: ‘I need to meditate’
Self: *does nothing*
Thought to self: ‘I know I need to meditate, I know I’ll feel better… just start already’
Self: *does nothing*
Thought to self: ‘you know that you’re going to feel better if you meditate. stop being lazy’
Self: *does nothing*
Thought to self: ‘why arent you just meditating for crying out loud. just do it’
Self: Googles ‘how to meditate’, ‘best meditation practices’
Self: *writes it as a new years resolution… does nothing*
Thought to self: ‘I know I should be meditating, but I’m scrolling instead’
Self: *Googles how to motivate yourself to meditate*
Self: *does nothing*
Thought to self: ‘youre so lazy’
Self: *does nothing*
Thought to self: ‘Stop being lazy. get advice on how to start’
Self: *gets coach, learns about how to create consistency, AND MEDITATES*
Thought to self: ‘why didn’t I do this in the first place’
Thought to self: ‘I feel so much better. Im so proud of myself’
Self: Makes a plan, an intention, continues to meditate every single morning
Thought to self: ‘You just became that girl who meditates and DOES THE THINGS THAT SHE THINKS ABOUT ‘
If that thought cycle feels familiar, you’re not alone! From this we can understand one very important concept:
Change will not happen by just thinking about it.
And it wont happen by waiting for motivation or inspiration to strike for us to do the thing.
We need to actually DO the thing that we know we need or want to do.
Because thoughts left unaccompanied by action keep us stuck.
When we finally DO the thing, we unlock the quickest path to transforming our realities.
Negative thoughts like doubt, fear, and procrastination thrive in the absence of action, trapping us in cycles of doing nothing (as demonstrated above).
And if you’re anything like me, I get more frustrated with myself when I let something go on too long (like bad habits/behaviours). Always, always, always, when I finally do the thing, I end up kicking myself on why I didn’t start sooner.
Luckily, when we understand this cycle, we can break it more quickly and apply it to so many other areas of our lives.
When we actively engage with the world, we disrupt these patterns and pave the way for positive change.
We can experience this pattern of overthinking and inaction, which can hold us back from reaching our full potential and living a fulfilling life. But the good news is, it is possible to break free from this cycle and empower yourself to take bold, decisive action towards your goals.
Signs You're Stuck in Overthinking Mode:
Analysis Paralysis: Spending hours weighing the pros and cons of a decision, only to end up not making one at all.
Perfectionism: Constantly striving for perfection, setting impossibly high standards, and fearing failure.
Self-Doubt: Second-guessing yourself at every turn, doubting your abilities and potential.
Fear of Failure: Paralyzed by the fear of failure, afraid to take risks or step outside your comfort zone.
Seeking Approval: Relying on external validation before taking action, feeling powerless without others' '‘ok’’ or opinions.
Steps to Break Free from Overthinking and Inaction:
Be Mindful: Create awareness of your thoughts and emotions without judgment.
Set Realistic Goals: Break down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps, focusing on progress rather than perfection.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: Identify and challenge negative thought patterns that fuel overthinking and self-doubt.
Take Imperfect Action: Embrace the concept of "done is better than perfect" and take action despite imperfections.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or mentors who can provide encouragement and tools.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding.
Focus on the Present Moment: Shift your focus from past regrets or future worries to the present moment.
Take Action Despite Fear: Acknowledge your fears but refuse to let them hold you back, taking courageous action despite uncertainty.
One powerful tool in this journey of transformation is breath work. By harnessing the breath, we tap into a source of inner strength and clarity, enabling us to navigate challenges with resilience and purpose. Breath work cultivates a state of presence, making it harder for negative thoughts to take root and guiding us towards productive action.
The more we strive to align our lives with preconceived notions imposed by society or family, the greater our sense of struggle becomes. Instead, embracing life as it is, rather than as we think it should be, liberates us from the constraints of expectation and allows us to embrace the present moment fully.
When we take inspired action, it diffuses doubt, replacing it with a growing sense of confidence. Each step reinforces our belief in our abilities and propels us towards our goals.
Despite the mind's best efforts to resist, the magic lies in pushing forward, regardless of how we feel in the moment.
See if you can let go of overthinking and analysis paralysis. Embrace the power of doing. Trust in the transformative potential of action, and watch as your thoughts align with your reality, creating a life filled with purpose, growth, and fulfillment.
Breathe it in, be deliberate, and be good to yourself!
Chelsea
aka The Deliberate One
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