WorkMatters Tips Issue #20 – May 8,2007
Publisher: Gayle Lantz mailto:lantz@workmatters.com
https://workmatters.com
WorkMatters, Inc.
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A quick tip to help leaders and executives who need to motivate their teams and themselves, and catapult their business.
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Stop Overthinking
In the world of sports, good athletes understand the importance of trusting their skills and instincts to win at their game. They don’t think too much. In the world of business, there also comes a time when too much thinking can limit your success.
If you’re not making the progress you want and you’re exhausting your mental energy, it’s time to change the way you think. As Albert Einstein said, "We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Leaders need to make decisions, often tough ones, to keep the organization moving forward. Some executives get bogged down in their own thoughts. (Incidentally, women tend to ruminate more than men.) Analysis paralysis sets in.
So what can you do if you find yourself overthinking? Here are a few tips:
* Put your thoughts in writing.
Some executives find it helpful to capture their ideas, concerns, solutions, etc. in writing. Ah, the clarity! No rules. Just write. The approach is cathartic.
* Identify a new focus.
It’s hard to think about two things at once. Pick something more energizing and productive to concentrate on. Give yourself a break from the other issue for a while. If you’re worried about competition, focus instead on client results.If you’re dwelling on poor performers, spend more
time with peak performers. Or just do something mindless.
* Reframe your issue.
For example, instead of thinking, "What if we lose the account?" ask, "How can we keep the client?" Keep your focus on positive potential outcomes.
* Answer this question:"What would help me work through this issue more easily?"
* Find a thinking partner.
Find someone inside or outside your organization to process whatever it is that you need to think through. Talking out loud with another person can help you gain new insight.
To those of you who think it through, know when you get to a point of diminishing return. Make a move!
PS: Let me know if you’re stuck on an issue I can help you with.
mailto:lantz@workmatters.com
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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
When you’re playing poorly, you start thinking too much. That’s
when you confuse yourself.
Greg Norman
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