Get Unstuck

Stuck in a cycle of overthinking? Wondering why it’s so hard to just start?

You know what I’m talking about: endless planning, second-guessing, every decision feeling heavier than it should. Days go by, and that task—or goal—still sits untouched.

The longer this cycle continues, the harder it becomes to break free. Your progress stalls, and big dreams fade into the background.

What if you could move from thinking to doing? Imagine feeling energized, in control, and able to tackle any challenge with confidence.

Let’s see how to get unstuck—one small step at a time.

Sometimes, the more we think, the less we do. Overthinking can feel productive, but often it’s just a way to avoid action. We get caught in endless “what ifs” and miss the chance to make real progress.

Simple truth: The longer we wait, the harder it becomes to start.

✨ The Potential
By moving from thinking to doing, you get immediate feedback and build momentum. Instead of being stuck in indecision, you begin to see real, tangible progress.

📖 The Story
In a previous role, I was looking for a challenge, or rather “to be challenged”. I asked a senior leader in my organization “who could challenge me as a mentor.” I was given a name, and immediately, the intimidation set in. “He’s too important.” “He won’t make time for me.” “I’ll just embarrass myself.” I kept putting the meeting off until I met with my business coach, and he literally asked me - “what is really preventing you from scheduling the meeting.” Just doing it was my response. I didn’t think about it - I just scheduled the meeting…..and it turned out to be one of the most impactful conversations I’ve ever had.

🚀 Action Step
Pick one small task you’ve been overthinking. Give yourself 5 minutes to start it without worrying about the outcome. Just start moving.

Taking action, no matter how small, creates momentum. Each step you take builds confidence and moves you out of your head and into progress.

The idea: Small actions break big barriers. They remind us that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.

✨ The Potential
With each small step, the fear of failure fades. You’ll start feeling capable and ready to handle challenges as they come.

📖 Example
Imagine you want to write a book. Instead of planning every chapter, just write one paragraph today. This single action turns “someday” into “right now.”

🚀 Action Step
Pick a small action toward a big goal, like writing one paragraph, making one call, sending one text, or organizing one drawer. Set a timer for 5 minutes and dive in.

When you’re stuck, it’s easy to get lost in planning and perfecting. Instead, think of your next move as a “test.” You’re not committing forever—just trying something to see if it works.

Key insight: Tests don’t need to be perfect. They’re just a way to gather information and keep moving forward.

✨ The Potential
When you shift to a testing mindset, fear of failure shrinks. You learn faster, make adjustments, and stay in motion instead of waiting for the “perfect” solution.

📖 Example
Let’s say you’re hesitant to launch a project. Treat the first step as a “test”—a low-pressure way to gain insight and adapt as you go.

🚀 Action Step (5 Minutes)
Identify one thing you’re hesitating on. Label your first step as a “test,” and take that step now. Remember: it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Sometimes, the simplest trick is the most effective. The “5-Minute Action” is a tool to turn thinking into doing—no strings attached. Commit to starting just 5 minutes of action. If you want to stop after that, you can.

Big idea: When you lower the pressure, it’s easier to get moving.

✨ The Potential
The “5-Minute Action” lowers the mental barrier to starting. More often than not, you’ll find yourself continuing past the 5-minute mark.

📖 Example
If you’re avoiding a task, like sending an email or organizing files, commit to doing it for just 5 minutes. Usually, starting is all you need to build momentum.

🚀 Action Step
Set a timer for 5 minutes and begin one small task. When the timer goes off, decide if you want to keep going. Often, you’ll find the hardest part was just getting started.

When overthinking starts, it’s often because the end goal feels overwhelming. Instead of getting lost in all the steps, visualize the final outcome. See yourself having finished, knowing the steps will fall into place along the way.

Simple insight: Visualization creates clarity and makes the journey feel achievable.

✨ The Potential
By focusing on the outcome, you’ll find it easier to stay motivated. The path forward becomes clearer, and your mind shifts from “Can I?” to “When I do.”

📖 Example
If you’re hesitant to tackle a big project, take a moment to picture the success, the results, and the impact. Visualize yourself feeling proud of the work you’ve done.

🚀 Action Step
Take 5 minutes to close your eyes and visualize finishing a goal. Imagine how it feels to achieve it, then write down one first step toward that vision. Thoughts lead to feelings which lead to action.

When you feel analysis paralysis creeping in, try this:

Onward, Jeff