🎈 (#21) One Tip For Overthinkers

Read Time: 3 minutes

Message from the author:

I’m keeping things simple and sticking to the basics heading into the end of the year fam.

With the busy season coming and Christmas around the corner, I’m taking the time to plan ahead and adapt my routine and systems to stay focused on my goals.

Now is the time I make some adjustments in preparation for being busy and setting up my routines so I can stay the course as much as possible whilst enjoying life.

This week's issue is a quick share on something that has worked for me over the course of 2023.

Hopefully you can utilize this in your day to day.

I have now accepted the fact that I am an overthinker.

A number of times in my life I have had moments where thinking too much has had me feeling stuck.

Almost felt like running on a treadmill…

Like I'm doing a lot, but I'm actually in the same spot.

They say that overthinking is when your thoughts and worries circle in an endless loop. Instead of preparing for your next steps, it usually leads to inaction.

Whilst I would love to just stop thinking and do what I need to do...

I have realized that it doesn't have an off button.

So, I had to find a way.

I way that would work for me.

Enter the cure to my problem.

What's the cure doc?

Journaling!

I am a huge advocate for meditation and walking when it comes to mindfulness.

But there is something about journaling frequently that not only clears the thoughts, but it also helps gain focused momentum when done with intention.

This year has been a huge year of growth and change for me in many ways.

My health and habits are aligned to my long-term goals I set for myself.

This all started with journaling.

The idea to start scratching the creative itch again, led to creating the MAKER Newsletter.

All started with journaling.

My career changes (coming in the 2024).

All started with journaling.

My goal this year was to grow in many ways from the previous year.

When I reflect on 2023, writing my thoughts down on a pen and pad provided me with clarity and clear actions on my next steps.

So how can a pen and pad with some words change the course of your life.

Let's find out...

A simple system is all you need

There are many thoughts on how to Journal.

And sometimes we can overthink the thing that is supposed to help us with overthinking.

The overthinkers will understand.

Some people talk about a set of questions to answer each day, some mention starting with gratitude, some say mornings are best, others say nights are best and reflect on wins and areas to improve.

To be honest it is up to you and what feels right.

No one else.

At times, if it doesn't feel organic, it can become a chore.

I use journaling to clear my thoughts and drive action… that’s it.

Whilst I would love to tell you that it is daily thing for me and aligns to one of the systems mentioned above.

It doesn't, and I'm OK with that.

I have tried it, and I don't like it.

On average I am writing my thoughts down once to twice a week or when I feel that I have a lot going on in my head that I need to get out.

My simple two-step process looks like this:

1. JUST WRITE. Just start writing and get everything that is in my head out on to the paper with little thought. My only goal is to get it out of my brain, visually see what I am thinking and then I can look to see where I need to take action.

2. TAKE ACTION. If something is not sitting right or I feel like I need to prioritize something (this happens 99% of the time when I am journaling), I will list my top three to five priorities or actions that I feel will help me make progress. The thing is, once I have unpacked what's in my mind, I can visually see it and start to align and move myself towards goals.

3. BONUS. Sometimes I will ask myself an honest question and ponder on it for a bit. Example for me this year - I asked myself how Alcohol adds value to my current health and wellbeing goals. I actually couldn’t find a reason when I thought about it like that… so I stopped (7 months alcohol free this week).

It doesn’t need to look pretty - it just needs to work.

I feel this has been one of the biggest factors in my progress for 2023 hands down.

Final thoughts

I can honestly say that this has been a game changer for me above everything else when it comes to moving with purpose.

If you are like me and have your mind on overdrive... give journaling a go.

If you have tried it, but it hasn't worked, maybe make some adjustments as mentioned above.

I have also tried to journal in the past - my simple two-step system seems to work best for me.

If you currently journal and also see the benefits, feel free to share with me via DM on Instagram or leave a comment in the comment section in the online version of this article.

That's it from me this week fam!

Grab a paper, pen and clear your mind to gain momentum.

Have a great week.

JC