273: Hey, Overthinkers! Let’s Simplify Your Intentions

improve it! Podcast – Professional Development Through Play, Improv & Experiential Learning

Are you stuck in the endless loop of overthinking?

Maybe you’ve rewritten the same email five times, hesitated to act on a great idea, or turned your to-do list into a novel.

Overthinking doesn’t just waste time—it keeps you from living fully. In today’s episode, Erin tackles how to break free from the analysis paralysis and take intentional, meaningful steps forward.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The Problem with Overthinking

Overthinking might feel like preparation, but it often paralyzes us instead. As Erin discusses in the episode, overthinking shows up as rehearsing perfect outcomes, hesitating to act, and losing momentum.

It’s like being in an improv scene where second-guessing kills the energy. For leaders, this habit can hold back both personal progress and team performance. Life, like improv, doesn’t follow a script, and trying to control every detail often leads to frustration rather than fulfillment.

2. Start with Your “Why”

The first step in simplifying your intentions is finding your purpose. Erin compares this to an improv game where you identify the core idea driving the scene.

By clarifying what truly matters to you, you can focus on meaningful goals. Try this exercise: If your life were a play, what would the main character (you!) want to accomplish in this act? By anchoring your goals in purpose, you’ll cut through distractions and stay aligned with what’s most important.

3. Focus on 1–3 Key Areas

One major takeaway from the episode is the power of focus. Just as too many ideas on stage can ruin an improv scene, too many goals can dilute your energy.

Erin recommends choosing 1–3 focus areas that align with your “why.” For example, you might prioritize improving relationships, advancing professionally, or nurturing self-care. By narrowing your focus, you’ll achieve clarity and make meaningful progress without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Break Goals into Micro-Actions

Big goals can feel daunting, but breaking them into micro-actions makes them manageable. In improv, scenes are built line by line—and your goals should work the same way.

If your intention is better self-care, start with small, actionable steps, like setting aside five minutes daily to stretch or meditate. Progress builds momentum, and every small win moves you closer to your larger vision.

5. Progress Over Perfection

Finally, embrace the improv mindset of progress over perfection. No one delivers the perfect scene every time, and no one achieves their goals without a few missteps.

Celebrate small wins along the way and view challenges as opportunities to pivot. In the episode, Erin shares an exercise to overcome mental blocks: shout out the first word that comes to mind to break the cycle of overthinking. It’s a simple, effective way to get unstuck and take action.

Final Thoughts

Overthinking keeps us in our heads, but action moves us forward. Simplifying your intentions is about doing what matters most. Today, take one intention you’ve been overthinking and break it into the simplest, smallest action you can take. Whether it’s sending an email, jotting down your goals, or taking a five-minute breather, start now. Remember, the magic happens when you leap.

What’s your first step? Share your intention with Erin by tagging her on Instagram (@itserindiehl) or sending an email ([e-mail]). Let’s keep each other accountable as we make 2025 the year of progress over perfection. If you’re interested in a bank of free resources to set intentions and work towards your goals on a daily basis this year – you can check out our freebies here.

No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)

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