Paralysis by Overthinking
Understand why thinking too much freezes decision-making and how to move forward.
When Thinking Replaces Moving
Thinking fills the space where movement might have been.
The body stays still while the mind travels repeatedly over the same ground.
This moment does not demand action.
It simply notices the substitution without judgment.
Notice thinking substitution with DojoWell.
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Articles exploring the psychology behind these patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I "think" about doing things instead of just doing them?
Thinking Replaces Moving when the Threat system perceives the "action" as too risky. Thinking is a "simulated action" that feels safer because there's no "consequence." In this model, we name this substitute behavior to highlight the gap. Recognizing that your "thinking" is actually "avoiding" allows you to address the underlying safety concern. You can then look for a "micro-action" with a low-enough trigger to allow for a real "done" signal.
How do I switch from "thinking" to "moving"?
By lowering the "entry threshold" of the action. If thinking is replacing a big task, find a tiny version of that task that doesn't trigger the Threat system. In the Meaning Density Model™, we value "lived coherence" over "mental planning." One tiny movement provides more "done" signal to the brain than a thousand hours of planning. Shift the focus from the "perfect plan" to the "immediate fact" of moving.