How to Break the Overthinking Loop
I used to think success was in the details. One more revision, one more tweak, one more late night polishing slides or rewriting emails.
But the truth? I wasn’t chasing “perfect.” I was chasing safety.
If I over-prepared, maybe no one could question me.
If I kept tweaking, maybe they’d finally see my value.
If I delayed sending it out, maybe I’d avoid making a mistake.
Sound familiar?
Why We Keep Overthinking
Overthinking shows up in different disguises. It’s not just perfectionism.
Completion bias → Our brain hates leaving things “unfinished.” Psychologists call this the Zeigarnik Effect: when a task is left open, our mind keeps looping back to it, like an unfinished melody that won’t stop playing. That’s why you can’t stop thinking about the one email draft still sitting unsent, or the half-polished slide in your deck—even when everything else is done.
Control loop → One more tweak feels safer than exposing ourselves.
Prove-yourself cycle → “If I polish more, maybe they’ll finally respect me.”
Fear of judgment → We imagine criticism that hasn’t even happened.
Invisible standards → We chase bars no one even asked us to reach.
All of these feel logical in the moment. But most of the time, the extra round doesn’t change the outcome. It only drains your time, your energy, and your joy.
The Question That Changed Everything
So here’s the mindset shift that helped me—and my clients—finally breathe:
“What’s good enough now?”
Not perfect. Not impressive. Just good enough for this step.
When my clients try this, I literally see their shoulders drop. The pressure lifts. They realise that progress—not proving themselves—is what moves their career and life forward.
Good Enough ≠ Settling
Let’s be clear. “Good enough” isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about cutting the invisible weight you’ve been carrying.
Because let’s be honest: Sometimes “overthinking” is just fear wearing a business suit. Sometimes it’s the need to prove yourself, when you already are enough.
Your “Enough Filter” Challenge
Here’s how you can start experimenting:
Time-box it.
If it’s a 30-minute task, stop at 30. Boundaries create freedom.Ask, “Does this change the outcome?”
If not, release it. Most people don’t notice the micro-adjustments we obsess over.Declare it done.
Say it out loud: “This is good enough for now.” The words matter.
It feels awkward at first. But soon, you’ll notice something shift: you’ll start finishing faster, breathing deeper, and moving on with more clarity.
My Invitation to You
Good enough isn’t settling. It’s reclaiming your time, your focus, and your peace.
It’s trusting that your value doesn’t come from endless proving, it comes from presence, clarity, and action.
So here’s my challenge to you:
This week, notice one place where you’re stuck in the prove-yourself loop.
Pause. Ask the question. Then let “good enough” carry you forward.
Because your career and your life deserve momentum, not just more polishing.
What about you?
Where does overthinking sneak in for you, not because of perfection, but because you want to feel safe or prove yourself?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yina Han, Founder of New Bloom Consulting & Coaching and featured top voice in Singapore’s SG60 by New in Asia, is a seasoned HR leader who delivers 300+ coaching hours annually to clients in 6+ countries, guiding them through global career transitions. She also trains leaders at top luxury and Fortune 100 brands to elevate leadership impact, and drive sustainable career success. Connect with Yina to transform your career with confidence and clarity.