Progress Over Perfection: Why Overthinking Keeps Therapists Stuck
Jun 09, 2025
Progress Over Perfection: Why Overthinking Keeps Therapists Stuck
A few years ago, I spent nearly 40 minutes in the screwdriver aisle at the hardware store.
I wasn’t rewiring a house. I didn’t need 12 tools. I just needed one decent screwdriver.
But there I was—paralyzed by rows of options. Fancy kits. Cheaper bundles. Ones with bells, whistles, and interchangeable tips. I scanned, compared, and overanalyzed while the actual job at home sat untouched.
That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t just avoiding a bad purchase. I was avoiding a decision.
And it’s the same thing I see in so many therapists and helpers trying to build something more.
Why Overthinking Feels Safer Than It Really Is
When you're a therapist who wants to scale your impact—launch a course, host a group, write a book—it feels like standing at a thousand-path crossroads. Every option costs something: time, money, energy, attention. And that makes the brain hit pause.
So you research more.
You draft another outline.
You wait for perfect clarity.
But overthinking isn’t just a delay. It’s a disguised form of fear.
It feels like movement (you’re busy!), but it's really just a rocking chair—lots of motion, no momentum.
Your Brain Wants Safety. Your Calling Wants Growth.
Brianna Wiest said it beautifully: “Your coping mechanisms aren’t built for growth. They’re built for survival.”
Overthinking is a safety net. If you stay in your head, you can’t fail out loud. But what you avoid in risk, you pay for in regret.
Your brain is doing its job—it’s protecting you.
But your calling asks for more than comfort. It asks for courage.
That’s why I believe so deeply in the power of progress over perfection.
What Helped Me Break Free (Even When It Was Hard)
Take LinkedIn, for example. I knew it could help me reach more therapists. I knew the people I serve were there. But I didn’t have a plan. I didn’t know what to post. I didn’t feel confident.
So I did what overthinkers do: I thought about it. A lot.
I browsed courses. I hesitated. I kept the tab open for weeks.
Eventually, I made a decision. I bought the course.
I wasn’t 100% sure it was “right.” But I was 80% sure it was aligned. And that was enough.
Once I decided, my brain stopped spinning. I had direction. I had peace. I had a plan.
It wasn’t perfect. But it was progress.
7 Ways to Escape the Overthinking Trap
Here are the same steps I use with clients—and myself—when overthinking starts creeping in:
- Start with what you know.
You don’t need all 20 steps. Just the next one. - Use the 80% rule.
If you’re 80% sure it’s right, take the step. - Done is better than perfect.
Publish the blog. Post the video. Hit send. You can adjust later. - Trust yourself.
You’ve done hard things. You’ve made wise decisions before. You’ll do it again. - Set gentle deadlines.
Give your decisions a container—“I’ll decide by Friday” or “I’ll research for one hour.” - Accept risk as part of growth.
Safe doesn’t always mean right. Growth involves some mess. - Build from vision, not fear.
I revisit my 10-year, 5-year, and 1-year vision every week. It helps me say yes or no faster—and with more peace.
A Faith-Aware Way to Move Forward
You don’t need a perfect map. You need a direction and the courage to move.
As a therapist or coach, your time is already full. But your story is still unfolding. And sometimes, the next chapter begins with just one step.
One course draft.
One email.
One simple decision—like buying the screwdriver and getting the job done.
Let This Be Your Sign
If you’ve been circling the same idea for months, maybe this is your sign to move.
Not with hustle. But with alignment.
You’re not broken. You’re just stuck. Let’s move.
If you're ready to turn your expertise into a course, or just want a faith-informed space to explore your next step, I’d love to walk with you.
Listen to the Podcast: STP 119 | Progress Over Perfection: Escaping the Overthinking Trap
Take the Next Step with Support
If you're tired of staying stuck in the idea phase and want real, practical help getting your course into motion, join us for the:
Course Idea to Paycheck Workshop
🗓 Thursday, June 26 | 🕙 10:00 AM–12:00 PM EST
🎟 Register here → https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/ideatopaycheck
Use Coupon Code: PCN for $10 off the registration.
Led by Leo DeRock of Counselor’s Choice Award, this hands-on workshop will help you:
- Choose a CE topic that actually sells
- Overcome common mindset blocks
- Design with accreditation in mind
- Use plug-and-play templates to save time
You’ll walk away with more than a good idea. You’ll leave with a start.
Course Creation Planning Worksheet Download
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