7 Clear Signs It’s Time to Stop Overthinking and Start Trusting Yourself
Do you ever find yourself replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, or worrying about every possible outcome before taking action? If so, you’re not alone. Overthinking is one of the biggest roadblocks to success and personal growth—especially for women who strive for perfection or fear making the wrong choice. But at some point, all that analysis turns into paralysis, keeping you stuck instead of moving forward.
If you’re wondering whether your indecision is holding you back, here are seven unmistakable signs that it’s time to stop doubting yourself and start trusting your instincts. This plan gives you seven ways to better decision making and a more confident life.
1. You Struggle to Make Even Simple Decisions
Do you spend 20 minutes deciding what to order at a restaurant? Or go back and forth over something as small as which outfit to wear? When overthinking becomes a habit, even the smallest choices can feel overwhelming.
What to Do Instead:
- Set a time limit for small decisions (e.g., give yourself 30 seconds to choose).
- Remind yourself that not every choice has major consequences—sometimes, a decision is just a decision.
- Practice trusting your first instinct—it’s often the right one!
2. You Repeatedly Ask for Other People’s Opinions
Seeking advice isn’t a bad thing, but if you constantly poll your friends, family, or coworkers before making a decision, it’s a sign that you don’t trust yourself. Over time, this can make you dependent on others and unsure of your own judgment.
What to Do Instead:
- Ask yourself: If I had to decide right now, without anyone’s input, what would I choose?
- Limit yourself to one or two trusted voices—not a whole committee.
- Build confidence by making small decisions on your own and noticing how they turn out.
3. You Replay Conversations and Regret What You Said
Ever walk away from a meeting, a job interview, or even a casual conversation and immediately start analyzing every word you said? Overthinkers often dwell on past interactions, worrying they sounded awkward or said the wrong thing.
What to Do Instead:
- Remind yourself that most people aren’t scrutinizing your words as much as you are.
- Challenge negative thoughts—did the conversation really go that badly, or is your mind exaggerating?
- Shift your focus forward instead of living in the past.
4. You Struggle with Perfectionism
Overthinking and perfectionism go hand in hand. If you find yourself over-editing emails, rewriting text messages multiple times, or delaying projects because they’re “not quite ready,” perfectionism may be holding you back.
What to Do Instead:
- Give yourself permission to be imperfect—progress is better than perfection.
- Set realistic deadlines so you don’t get stuck in an endless cycle of tweaking and revising.
- Ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen if this isn’t perfect? Most of the time, the answer isn’t as scary as you think.
5. You Fear Making the “Wrong” Decision
One of the biggest reasons people overthink is fear—fear of failure, fear of regret, fear of making a mistake. But the truth is, no decision is ever completely right or wrong. Every choice teaches you something and moves you forward.
What to Do Instead:
- Replace “What if I fail?” with “What if this is an opportunity to learn?”
- Understand that not deciding is also a decision—and often a worse one.
- Embrace the idea that even mistakes can lead to unexpected, positive outcomes.
6. You Feel Stuck and Unable to Move Forward
Overthinking can trap you in a loop where you’re constantly analyzing but never acting. Whether it’s applying for a new job, starting a passion project, or making a big life change, fear-based hesitation can keep you from achieving your goals.
What to Do Instead:
- Take one small action toward your goal—any action is better than staying stuck.
- Use the 5-second rule (count down from five and then act) to break the cycle of hesitation.
- Accept that there’s never a “perfect” time—waiting won’t make your decision easier.
7. You Feel Mentally Drained from All the Overthinking
Over-analyzing everything is exhausting. If you often feel mentally drained, anxious, or unable to relax, your brain might be working overtime on unnecessary worries.
What to Do Instead:
- Practice mindfulness techniques, like journaling or deep breathing, to quiet your racing thoughts.
- Set worry boundaries—give yourself a set amount of time to think through a decision, then move on.
- Recognize that trusting yourself feels lighter, while overthinking feels heavy. Choose the lighter path.
Now – It’s Time to Stop Overthinking, Trust Yourself, & Move Forward
If any of these signs sound familiar, know that you’re not alone—overthinking is a habit that can be broken. The more you practice trusting yourself, the easier decision-making becomes. Remember, you don’t need to have everything figured out to take the next step. The best way to gain clarity is through action.
If you’re ready to overcome indecisiveness and build confidence in your choices, check out Just Make a Decision: Roadmap to Better Decision-Making Skills by Bob Pardue. It’s a powerful guide designed to help you break free from overthinking and start making choices with confidence.