Overthinking is Costing You
I really wanting to call this post, Overthinking is STUPID, but that sounded a little harsh.
That is however, how I felt when I caught myself overthinking a very reasonable decision. Even though I am generally pretty rational, there are times when I catch myself wasting time over-analayzing. And let’s be clear as a business owner, your decision making skills can be the difference between big paydays and One of the most common pitfalls for counselors and coaches looking to grow their businesses is overthinking. The decision to expand your business, take on new clients, or add a new service often comes with a stream of “what-ifs” that can slow progress or even keep you stuck. When you're driven to improve income, gain flexibility, and create a lasting impact, overthinking can be a hidden obstacle that drains both energy and time.
If you find yourself replaying decisions in your mind, waiting for the “perfect” moment, or doubting whether you’re “ready” to grow, you’re not alone. Here’s a look at why overthinking is dangerous for business growth and a few ways you can begin to step out of analysis paralysis.
Why Overthinking Hurts Your Business Growth
It Wastes Valuable Time
Every moment spent second-guessing or weighing options endlessly is time that could be invested in actually taking action. When time is limited (as it often is for small business owners), this habit can set you back from reaching your goals.
It Lowers Your Confidence
Constantly questioning decisions can chip away at your self-assurance, leading to doubts about your capabilities as a business owner. Over time, this undermines your confidence and can even impact the quality of the services you deliver.
It Leads to Missed Opportunities
Many opportunities are time-sensitive, especially in a dynamic market. Whether it’s a collaboration, a client request, or even a moment of inspiration, waiting too long can mean you miss out on these chances to grow.
It Can Reinforce a Scarcity Mindset
Overthinking can stem from a mindset rooted in scarcity—constantly fearing there won’t be “enough” (money, clients, success). This scarcity mentality can limit your business growth and block opportunities, even if your skills and strategies are on point. A healthier mindset, rooted in abundance, is essential for seeing possibilities rather than limitations.
3 Ways to Start Moving Past Overthinking
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Instead of waiting for every piece to be perfectly in place, make a commitment to continuous improvement. Progress, even if imperfect, will move you forward far faster than waiting to have it all figured out. Remember, your clients benefit most when you take steps to show up and serve, even as you keep learning.
Set Small, Actionable Goals
Large goals, while inspiring, can sometimes feel overwhelming and lead to more overthinking. Try breaking down bigger goals into smaller, manageable steps that you can complete today or this week. This will help you see progress, maintain momentum, and prevent the overwhelm that fuels overthinking.
Practice Decision-Making with Quick Wins
Building confidence in your decision-making skills can start small. Commit to making a few low-stakes decisions each day without overthinking. As you practice this, you’ll build the mental muscle to move forward with more confidence, even in higher-stakes situations.
Moving Forward with a Money Mindset
Overthinking, especially around decisions that involve money, often reflects underlying beliefs about value, success, and financial potential. To grow your business and increase both income and flexibility, cultivating a mindset that sees money as a tool for expansion—not something to fear or second-guess—is crucial.
Stay tuned for our upcoming course on mastering your money mindset, designed to help counselors and coaches shift their financial outlook and approach growth with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
By stepping out of overthinking, you’re making room for focused action and meaningful growth in your business. Your future self (and future clients!) will thank you.