The Wicked Curse Of Overthinking And Optimizing Too Soon

I have spent too much time looking for the perfect process before starting the work. That search can feel productive, but it can leave a project stuck at the starting line.

I like clear systems and efficient processes. Yet when I tried to design the ideal system first, I often lost momentum before I produced anything useful.

Start With One Real Step

Pick the next small action you can take today. Write the first paragraph. Record the first segment. Share a rough draft with someone who can give useful feedback.

Let The Work Teach You

Your first attempt may be awkward. That is fine. Once you have done the work, you can see what needs to improve. Real results give you better information than a plan you have never tested.

Improve After You Begin

Save the fine-tuning for a working process. Make progress, learn what slows you down, and then improve that step.

If a project has been sitting on the shelf, decide on the next useful action and do it. Small, steady steps can rebuild momentum.

Adapted from Joshua’s 2023 podcast episode and saved show notes. This is an edited article, not a copy of the original blog post.