Starting something new can feel a lot harder than it should.
You might have a goal you’re excited about, but instead of taking action, you find yourself overthinking, procrastinating, or asking everyone else what they think first.
That doesn’t mean you’re lazy or unmotivated.
It usually means your nervous system is trying to protect you from discomfort, fear of failure, or doing something “wrong.”
The good news is: you don’t need more pressure or motivation.
You need smaller, safer ways to start.
Here are five gentle mindset shifts and tools to help you stop overthinking and start your goals in a way that feels calmer and more doable.
1. The 5 minute rule
When a goal feels overwhelming, tell yourself you’ll work on it for just five minutes.
That’s it, no more no less..
Your brain is much more willing to start when it knows it’s just for a quick 5 minutes.
Most of the time, once you begin, the anxiety settles and it feels easier to keep going.
And even if you stop after five minutes, you still showed up and made progress.
2. Shrink the goal until it feels almost too easy
Big goals often trigger overthinking because your mind jumps straight to the end.
Instead of “start a business” or “get healthier,” ask yourself: what’s the smallest possible step I could take today?
That might be opening a word doc, writing one sentence, or putting on workout clothes.
Small steps tell your nervous system that you’re safe, which makes it easier to take the next step tomorrow.
3. Use the 2 Minute Rule for mental clutter
If a task or decision takes less than two minutes, do it right away.
Answer the email. Put the dish in the sink. Write the note down.
These tiny actions reduce mental clutter and stop your brain from holding onto unfinished loops.
Fewer open loops = less anxiety, less overthinking, and more energy for the things that actually matter.
4. Start before you feel “ready”
Waiting to feel confident, motivated, or 100% prepared is usually just another form of procrastination.
Readiness often comes after action, not before.
When you allow yourself to start imperfectly, you take pressure off your mind and body.
This mindset shift helps you build trust with yourself and makes goals feel supportive instead of stressful.
5. Ground your body while you take action
Overthinking lives in the mind, but calm comes from the body.
Before or during a new task, try grounding yourself physically.
Take a few slow breaths, notice your feet on the floor, or give your hands something gentle to focus on like your fidget ring.
The small, repetitive motion of spinning your fidget ring helps calm your nervous system while you take action, making it easier to stay present and focused.
This makes starting tasks feel safer and less overwhelming.
You don’t need to have everything figured out.
You just need to start.
Gently, imperfectly, and in a way that works with your nervous system, not against it.
I hope this helps!
❤️
Bianca
P.S. I put together a 1-hour class with the mindset tools I use when I'm overthinking goals. It's here if you're interested!