Overcoming Overthinking: Turning Doubt into Action

Overthinking can be a major barrier for students when it comes to taking on new challenges. The constant self-doubt and need to have everything planned perfectly often stop us from even getting started. I experienced this firsthand when I decided to start providing literacy services. I was filled with doubts: "Am I capable enough?" "How will I juggle this with school?" "What if it fails?" These thoughts made me hesitant, almost causing me to abandon the idea altogether.

However, I soon realized that waiting for the perfect plan was another form of holding myself back. I didn’t need to have all the answers; I just needed to start. I faced the daunting process of registering the non-profit, managing partnerships, and leading a large team of volunteers—all while navigating a packed high school schedule filled with AP and honors courses. It wasn’t easy, and there were moments when the pressure felt like too much.

But as I pushed forward, I learned that the most important thing is not having everything figured out, but rather having the commitment to persevere. Every step of the journey taught me something new, and as I kept going, I realized I was capable of more than I had ever imagined. The fear of failure no longer felt as paralyzing.

Overcoming the mental barriers of overthinking has been transformative. The journey showed me that real growth comes from embracing challenges, not avoiding them. Taking the leap is worth it—you’ll discover strengths you never knew you had.