The Over-Thinker's Guide to Actually Getting Things Done

You might have big goals—starting a YouTube channel, writing a book, creating content—but you never actually start because you're too busy thinking about every possible detail.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need to start.

1. Don’t Plan Too Much—Just Start

The Problem

You believe you need a detailed plan before you can begin. You try to map out every step in advance, thinking that once you have a full strategy, you’ll finally be ready.

The Solution

• Planning is overrated. Instead of wasting time perfecting a plan, just start with one small step.
• Figure things out as you go. Once you start, you’ll naturally adjust based on what works.
• Start messy. Great ideas often emerge while you’re working, not before.

Example: Want to start a YouTube channel? Don’t spend weeks deciding on the perfect niche. Just film a video today and post it. You’ll refine your style over time.

2. Don’t Worry About Consistency (At First)

The Problem

You hesitate because you’re afraid you won’t be able to keep up with the work. You think, “What if I can’t post every week?” or “What if I run out of ideas?”

The Solution

• Consistency comes later. The first step is simply proving to yourself that you can start.
• Make a loose schedule, but don’t obsess over it. If you start thinking too far ahead, you’ll psych yourself out.
• Momentum is more important than a rigid plan.

Example: If you want to write blog posts, don’t stress about publishing every week. Write one post and publish it. Then, see how you feel and adjust from there.

Overthinking is a double-edged sword. It can help you analyze, strategize, and come up with great ideas—but it can also trap you in analysis paralysis, stopping you from taking action.

If I had to sum it up in one word for lack of productivity, creativity, output, results, GTD, and happiness, it would be OVER-THINKING.

3. Don’t Overthink the Content—Just Create

The Problem

You get stuck worrying about quality, originality, and perfection before you even begin. You think, “What if my ideas aren’t good enough?” or “What if nobody likes my content?”

The Solution

• People don’t care as much as you think. The internet is full of content. If your first attempts aren’t great, no one will even notice.
• Learn by doing. Your best content will come after you’ve created a lot of average content.
• Start with what excites you. If you enjoy what you're doing, you’ll naturally improve over time.

Example: If you’re writing a book, don’t worry about crafting the perfect first chapter. Write a messy draft—you can fix it later.

4. Thinking Is Your Best Friend—and Worst Enemy

The Problem

Your brain is constantly analyzing and second-guessing. You tell yourself:

• “What if I fail?”
• “What if I’m not good enough?”
• “What if I start and have to quit later?”

The Solution

• Recognize when thinking is useful and when it’s holding you back.
• Use your thoughts for problem-solving, not self-doubt.
• Take action before your brain talks you out of it.

Example: You don’t need to know the best camera settings before recording your first video. Hit record, film, and learn on the go.

5. Decide on the First Step—Then Start

The Problem

You want to know the entire path before you take the first step. You think you need a roadmap, a strategy, and a foolproof plan before you start.

The Solution

• Forget the whole plan—just focus on Step 1.
• Take the first action today, no matter how small.
• Once you start, the next step will become clear.

Example: If you want to write a book, don’t think about publishing, marketing, or the final product. Just write the first paragraph today.

Just take the first step. Let the momentum of starting the task motivate you to complete the task and move on to the next.

6. Experiment for 6 Months Without Expectations

The Problem

You worry too much about success before you’ve even started.

The Solution

• Give yourself permission to experiment for 6 months. No pressure, no expectations—just do the thing.
• Treat it like a creative playground, not a business strategy.
• The goal isn’t perfection—it’s learning.

Example: If you want to start a YouTube channel, commit to making 10 videos in 6 months. Don’t overanalyze. Just make and post them.

7. Use Messy, Unorganized Brain Dumps Instead of Over-Planning

The Problem

You feel stuck because you think your ideas need to be structured and perfect before starting.

The Solution

• Use mind maps, scribbled notes, and random lists.
• Dump your thoughts on paper and refine them later.
• Allow chaos in the beginning—structure will come naturally.

Example: Before writing a book, don’t outline every chapter perfectly. Instead, write down random ideas and sort them out later.

Final Thoughts: Action > Thinking

Overthinking feels productive, but it’s actually a trap. You don’t need the perfect plan, the best idea, or a foolproof strategy. You just need to start.

What You Should Do Now:

• Take the first small action today.
• Don’t plan too much—just start creating.
• Stop worrying about consistency, content quality, or direction.
• Commit to experimenting for 6 months with no pressure.

Whatever it is you’ve been overthinking—go do it right now.