Helping overwhelmed creatives, innovators, and leaders turn overthinking into expert thinking…and action! Three useful things every Thursday to gain clarity, get more done, and feel great about it.
Getting there, step-by-tiny-step
Published 10 months ago • 1 min read
Ladders are useful.
Cloud image by dr911 from Getty Images.
Back to basics this week, as I'm thinking about overthinking! Here are three things on that theme to help us climb our way to productive contemplation:
“This process involves questioning whether a thought contributes to solving a problem or improving understanding. If it doesn’t, it may be categorized as unproductive rumination…” and nine other strategies for overcoming overthinking by author and editor Ali Alzahrani
A Thought Ladder is a simple step-by-step method for transforming an unhelpful thought into a more productive one. I first heard of this method from MCC Kara Loewentheil and have created (and recently updated!) a simple worksheet so that you can apply the concept for the thoughts you want to upgrade.
“I know I am in good hands when I sense a cohesive point of view expressed with attention to detail.” — a concise reflection about the impact of clear thinking by writer and Obsidian CEO Steph Ango
Extra thoughts…
Lately I've been noticing and accepting when I have mixed feelings about various things. Embracing that I might not 100% agree with something, and that's ok. There are still parts that are valuable. And that can make the whole of it useful enough.
I would love to hear your thoughts about this. When things are neither complete perfection (e.g., brunost) or thoroughly undesirable (e.g., stepping in poop), but rather have a mix of good and bad aspects, what do you do?
If you know somebody who might get value from this newsletter, why not share with them? Forward this email to help them gain more clarity and confidence about what they're doing, too:
Hello! My name is Kim Witten and I’ve spent four decades overthinking absolutely everything. I’ve turned this ability into a super skill to get stuff done and now my mission is to help others do the same. Read more about my journey
Helping overwhelmed creatives, innovators, and leaders turn overthinking into expert thinking…and action! Three useful things every Thursday to gain clarity, get more done, and feel great about it.
