The difference between thinking and overthinking

Overcoming analysis paralysis

Author

PJ Milani
September 26, 2023

Presented by

šŸ¤” INTERESTING

The difference between thinking and overthinking. Stay sharp!

šŸ“ DESIGN

If you donā€™t already have a sketchbook, consider starting one.

PRO TIP: Use the same notebook to sketch and journal. Written insights inspire visual insights and vice versa.

Law of Ideation

Take your idea and make it real, no matter how rough. The final step is only attainable by taking the first step.

One of my favorite creative practices is sketching visual strategies.

Whatā€™s a visual strategy? 
Itā€™s how an artist solves an idea problem with a visual solution.

For instance, the visual strategy below from the talented Wang Wei-Shen shows a possible solution to the problem: what happens when you cross a threshold.

Initial capture in my notebook. You might be able to see echoes of my journaling on the other side of the page.

This sketch ended up motivating the visual below on the left, which then iterated to the version on the right.

But you know whatā€™s funny?

I only realized this sketch was the source of inspiration months later. It burned into my subconscious image bank without my knowing. Thatā€™s the power of a strong capture habit.

Creative output is fueled by creative input.

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šŸ”® ENCHANTING 

Spend your time making impacts that last.

šŸ§  ANALOGY

The Lines in Sand Effect:
A simple mental model to get past overthinking and the fear of making decisions.

Any time Iā€™ve had to make a choice where I recognize Iā€™m procrastinating because of the fear of making a mistake, I imagine this metaphor.

Iā€™ve done this to decide:

  • niches

  • type of clients I serve

  • tech platforms

  • even habits & routines

It comforts me to remind myself these decisions arenā€™t set it stone.

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