Overcoming Overthinking, Overwhelm, and Procrastination Towards Creative Empowerment
It's no surprise that many of us find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of constant stimuli and endless expectations in a world that never rests. This often leads to overthinking, feeling overwhelmed, self-doubt, and procrastination. In this article, I share personal insights in my journey and strategies to tackle the challenges, leading to creative empowerment.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Perfectionism’s Trap: Facing the Impostor Within as an Overthinker
Breaking Free from the ‘What If’ Loop
Transformative Power of Creative Action
Creative Action as a Strategy
Tackling Procrastination’s Hidden Fears
The Ongoing Journey to Creative Confidence
Perfectionism’s Trap: Facing the Impostor Within as an Overthinker
As someone who is both an overthinker and identifies as a highly sensitive person (HSP), this struggle hits close to home for me. Trying to balance multiple projects, keep track of schedules, and navigate emotional challenges and changes in life simultanousely, can leave me feeling utterly overwhelmed, even on the best of days.
My tendency towards perfectionism intensifies this challenge. The impostor syndrome within, which usually goes along with perfectionism often hold back certain outputs and/or actions. Thoughts like “I need it to be perfect” or “I don’t think I am good enough” frequently cross my mind, fuelled by fears of judgment. Despite possessing the necessary skills, expertise, experience and knowledge, this overthinking breeds self-doubt, leading to procrastination on tasks that are critical for my success. Identifying and tenderly addressing the root cause of fears causing self-doubt is crucial in the process in healing, building confidence and self-validation.
Breaking Free from the ‘What If’ Loop
Overthinking is often a loop of 'what ifs', usually stemming from past or future projections. While being prepared is beneficial, maintaining a balance by focusing on the present is key to overcoming this challenge. Overwhelm results from an influx of excessive thoughts and external expectations. Developing strategies and redirecting the excessive mental energies into tangible simple physical actions are ways to calm this overwhelming tide. This creates mental, emotional, and physical space which allow for the birth of ideas and solutions.
Transformative Power of Creative Action
In my journey, I’ve noticed a significant transformation in some actions I took. Previously, negative thoughts and low self-esteem dominated my mindset when faced with challenges, leading to emotional overwhelm for some time. Now, I actively pause, take a breather, meditate, and intentionally channel this energy into creative action in a project. This approach not only bolsters my confidence but also redirects my perfectionist, doubtful self into a more creative, productive being.
I cannot stress enough the powerful and transformational antidote to all the holding back – CREATE SOMETHING! Start Anywhere. This could involve leveraging a skill you already possess or diving into something entirely new. Humans, by nature, are creative beings, and engaging in creation fulfills a deep-seated need. You possess a powerful creative force within, bestowed by the divine. This is your Sacral power - the sacred space of procreation, creativity, and passionate inspired action. You can tap into this force and embrace your unique creative expression in any way you desire. You do not need to be a great musician or artist to be creative. You are born out of divine creation, and within you reside these creative energies, when used with honor, integrity, and joy, is an act of celebrating our birthright and the divine's creation.
Creative Action as a Strategy
Whenever you feel doubtful or lack confidence, try channeling those negative energies into a creative task. You can be an alchemist on your own energy and life by doing so. Remember, energy cannot be destroyed but it can shift forms. By tapping into your creativity, you can transform negative energy into positive energy and achieve a state of flow, which increases satisfaction, motivation, mood, happiness, and emotional regulation, among other things.
List down things you’re already good at and start there. Whether it’s potting a plant, cooking a dish, or running a marathon, celebrate your accomplishment. These small victories build momentum and inspiration towards tackling larger projects and overcoming procrastination.
Tackling Procrastination’s Hidden Fears
Procrastination often masks hidden fears. Identifying and working through these fears, coupled with practical strategies guided by a mentor/coach/therapist/healer, can gradually build confidence in other life areas. Remember, the key is to divert the energy from overthinking and doubt into creative and productive action. It’s not just about reducing the negative; it's about transforming it into something positive and tangible.
The Ongoing Journey to Creative Confidence
In essence, the journey from being overwhelmed and overthinking to a state of creative flow and confidence is a continuous process. It involves self-awareness, acknowledging personal fears and challenges, and most importantly, channeling energies into creative endeavors. Each small step of change and creation not only combats procrastination but also builds a stronger, more resilient self and self-belief. It's about turning the narrative of doubt into a story of growth and fulfillment, one creative project at a time.
What spoke out to you in this article? Don’t hesitate to share your insights by leaving a comment below. Your input could add valuable perspectives to this article, and help engage with other readers. Thank you!
Namaste,
Amanda
Amanda Ling
Sound To Ground
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