How to Break Free from Overthinking and Make Powerful Decisions
- Brainz Magazine
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 29
Written by Tan Chrissis, Speaker and Mindset Coach
Tan Chrissis is a Speaker and Mindset coach, serving as the CEO of CognitiveVerse, a platform dedicated to personal growth and cognitive wellness.
Overthinking is like quicksand; the more you struggle in it, the deeper you sink. One minute, you're weighing a simple choice; the next, you're spiraling through every worst-case scenario. Sound familiar? You're not alone. But the good news is you can break free and reclaim the clarity you crave.
Understanding overthinking: What’s really going on?
What is overthinking, really?
Overthinking is the mental hamster wheel, replaying problems, second-guessing choices, and imagining every possible outcome. It’s not problem-solving; it’s problem-amplifying. And it creates an illusion of productivity while draining your energy.
Why our brains get stuck in analysis loops
Blame it on evolution. Our brains are wired for survival, not certainty. The part of your mind that used to scan for predators now scans for potential mistakes. But in today’s world, that often leads to stagnation, not safety.
The cost of chronic overthinking
Decision paralysis and missed opportunities
Ever delayed a decision so long that the opportunity vanished? Overthinking leads to hesitation, and in the entrepreneurial world, hesitation is costly.
Mental exhaustion and confidence erosion
It’s not just about indecision. Overthinking saps mental energy and leaves you doubting your own judgment. The more you overanalyze, the less confident you feel.
How overthinking affects decision-making
The fear factor: What if I’m wrong?
Fear of failure or even just discomfort fuels overthinking. We imagine embarrassment, regret, or irreversible loss. But here’s a secret: most decisions are reversible.
The perfectionism trap
Trying to make the “perfect” choice often stops us from making any choice. Perfectionism is just fear wearing a clever disguise.
The psychology behind powerful decisions
Speed vs. accuracy: Finding the balance
Research shows that top performers balance speed with confidence. They make decisions quickly when stakes are low and slow down only when necessary.
Cognitive biases and emotional influence
Biases like confirmation bias or the sunk cost fallacy skew your thinking. Emotions cloud judgment. Learning to separate facts from feelings is key.
Proven strategies to stop overthinking
1. Set decision deadlines
Time pressure forces clarity. Give yourself 10 minutes to choose dinner, and 48 hours to decide on a business pivot. It works.
2. Limit your options
Too many choices = analysis paralysis. Narrow your focus to 2–3 quality options and move forward from there.
3. Use the 5-5-5 rule
Ask yourself: Will this matter in 5 days, 5 months, or 5 years? Most of the time, the long-term consequences are minimal.
4. Externalize your thinking
Talk it out. Journal it. Map it on a whiteboard. Getting your thoughts out helps you gain perspective and spot clarity.
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5. Get comfortable with imperfection
You don’t need certainty. You need courage. Progress loves imperfection. Take action, refine later.
Daily habits that strengthen decisiveness
Practice making micro-decisions
Decide what to eat, wear, or read faster. These small wins train your brain to trust itself.
Journaling for mental clarity
Daily journaling declutters your mind and gives insight into your patterns. Even five minutes helps.
Mindfulness to interrupt loops
Meditation and mindfulness create space between you and your thoughts. That pause can be the difference between spiraling and acting.
When to trust your gut (and when not to)
Listening to intuition vs. acting on fear
Your gut is wisdom shaped by experience, but only if it’s not hijacked by anxiety. If your gut feels grounded, it’s worth listening to; if it feels frantic, pause.
How to build Intuitive accuracy
The more decisions you make, the better your intuition becomes. Reflect on past choices to fine-tune it like a muscle.
Final thoughts: Bold action beats perfect plans
You won’t always feel ready. That’s okay. Powerful decisions aren’t about knowing, they’re about choosing. Choose clarity over chaos, courage over comfort, and action over perfection.
Momentum starts with one decision. Let it be yours.
Read more from Tan Chrissis
Tan Chrissis, Speaker and Mindset Coach
Tan Chrissis is a visionary leader in cognitive wellness and personal growth. As the founder and CEO of CognitiveVerse, he has developed innovative tools to enhance mental performance and unlock human potential. Tan’s expertise spans cognitive strategies, digital innovation, and lifelong learning, empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in a fast-evolving world. Through his work, he aims to inspire others to achieve clarity, creativity, and growth.
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