- Visual I.D.E.A.s Newsletter
- Posts
- The difference between thinking and overthinking
The difference between thinking and overthinking
Overcoming analysis paralysis
š¤ INTERESTING
The difference between thinking and overthinking. Stay sharp!
š DESIGN
If you donāt 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.
Whatās a visual strategy?
Itās 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.
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/14920b0c-6582-499c-8fdc-2b66c254d46f/v1_newsletter_consumer_to_creator.jpg)
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 whatās funny?
I only realized this sketch was the source of inspiration months later. It burned into my subconscious image bank without my knowing. Thatās the power of a strong capture habit.
Creative output is fueled by creative input.
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š§ ANALOGY
The Lines in Sand Effect:
A simple mental model to get past overthinking and the fear of making decisions.
Any time Iāve had to make a choice where I recognize Iām procrastinating because of the fear of making a mistake, I imagine this metaphor.
Iāve done this to decide:
niches
type of clients I serve
tech platforms
even habits & routines
It comforts me to remind myself these decisions arenāt set it stone.
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