I’m an overthinker.
This wasn’t so much of a problem when my life only consisted of school or a typical 9-5 job. The predictable structure of school and work allowed me to make decisions on autopilot. My goals were clear – get good grades, provide great customer service, etc. – and I knew how to accomplish them. There was very little ambiguity back then.
Things are quite different now. I still have some routine in my job as a teaching assistant, but my goals are much grander than they used to be. For the first time in my life, I don’t know the best way to achieve them all. I don’t even know if I can achieve them.
My mind is filled with endless what-ifs and worst-case scenarios. Should I write about this topic or that topic? Should I make a video about something even though I’m not an expert on it? What’s the best way to express my point of view? What if I publish this and people hate it? What if people misinterpret what I’m trying to say?
So many questions. So many paths in front of me. But all of these thoughts leave me frozen, scared to make a decision at all.
That’s why I’ve developed a new mantra for myself:
Think less, do more.
This mantra is both a call to action and a reminder to stay present to the moment.
The simple truth is that working towards my goals will be a long process of trial and error. No matter how much thinking I do, the only way for me to discover the right way to do things is by taking action.
Only through action will I achieve anything I desire.
Only through action will I escape the whirlwind of anxiety and doubt inside my head.
An Appetite For Beauty 