How to Stop Overthinking, Take Action and Get Stuff Done

We’ve all been there. Staring at a half-written post, endlessly tweaking a logo, re-reading the same email for the seventh time, or waiting for just the right moment to launch a product or big idea.

Spoiler alert: that perfect moment doesn’t exist.

In this episode of the Youngpreneur Society Podcast, co-founder and ideas and marketing strategist Linda Reed-Enever gets real about one of the biggest things that holds young entrepreneurs back: overthinking. 

Whether you’re running your first side hustle or launching your second business, the mind spiral is real. But it doesn’t have to rule your progress.

Why We Overthink

Overthinking usually starts with fear. Fear of making the wrong move. Fear of being judged. Even fear of doing too well and not being able to handle the success. Our brains are wired to protect us, so they create a safety net of “what-ifs” that ends up becoming a trap. 

The result? You’re stuck in planning mode instead of progress mode.

And while you’re stuck thinking, the business you dreamt of stays paused. The post stays unpublished. The product stays in your head instead of reaching real customers.

That’s the cost of overthinking: lost time, lost energy, and lost opportunities.

Spotting the Signs

Overthinking isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it looks productive, like “researching” a decision for days on end. Or rewriting an email over and over. Or waiting to share your idea until it’s perfect (which it never will be).

If you’ve ever talked yourself out of something you were once excited about, chances are, overthinking snuck in.

How to Get Out of Your Head and Into Action

So what’s the fix? There are lots of practical, no-fluff ways to shake off the overthinking spiral and get back to doing.

1. Use a timer

Give yourself 30 minutes to make a decision. No more, no less. Whether it’s choosing a name for your product or hitting publish on that post, the goal is momentum, not perfection.

2. Chunk it down

Big dreams can feel scary. Break them into bite-sized, doable steps. Instead of “launch my website”, start with “write the About page” or “set up a Canva graphic”. Small wins matter. Reward yourself with something fun, Freddo frogs, anyone?

3. Test and learn

Treat your actions like experiments. Nothing is set in stone. You’re allowed to tweak and adjust. Most successful businesses are built on trial and error, not flawless plans.

4. Share it

Tell someone your goal. Accountability helps, especially when that someone is a cheerleader, not a critic. Don’t be afraid to share your progress (or your stuck-ness) in a supportive community. It helps you stay committed.

5. Reframe the story

Overthinking feels safe because it delays risk. But action is where confidence is built. The more you do, the clearer things become. You don’t get better from thinking, you get it from doing.

One Small Step is All it Takes

Linda’s challenge? Pick one thing you’ve been sitting on. One email, one social post, one baby step. Don’t overthink the whole staircase. Just take that first step.

Because here’s the real magic: you don’t think your way to success. You act your way there.

If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone. And it doesn’t mean you’re failing, it just means you’re growing. Momentum beats perfection every time. So take a breath, pick one task, and get it done. Your future self will thank you.

Highlights

• 00:41 The Dangers of Overthinking

• 02:05 Identifying Overthinking Patterns

• 02:23 Strategies to Overcome Overthinking

• 03:39 Taking Action and Moving Forward

• 03:53 Closing Thoughts and Community Support