Are You Thinking or Overthinking? | Stepping Out of Stuck Ep 2

Описание: Overthinking feels productive — but it’s often anxiety trying to stay in control.
In this episode, we break down the hidden rule behind overthinking and how to stop the mental spiral.

Welcome to Episode 2 of Stepping Out of Stuck, a podcast about overcoming shyness, managing anxiety, and turning survival instincts into personal growth.

Ted Simmons (speaker, co-author of Overcoming You, and author of Shy Is My Superpower) and Bonnie Brindle (therapist, educational consultant, international speaker, and author of Cracking the Crazymakers’ Code: 9 Simple Steps to Ease Your Anxiety) explore the difference between thinking and overthinking — and how perfectionism, control, and fear quietly drive mental loops.

Through real stories about leadership, collaboration, and creative planning, they unpack why overthinking feels safe… but often leaves you exhausted and stuck.

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In this episode, we discuss:

• When thinking turns into overthinking
• Why anxiety pushes us toward control
• The hidden perfection rule underneath mental spirals
• Leadership patterns that block collaboration
• How walking away can restore clarity
• Practical tools to interrupt overthinking loops

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Overthinking isn’t weakness. It’s protection.

But when protection becomes control, it drains creativity, relationships, and confidence.

If you struggle with mental loops, replaying conversations, planning every possible outcome, or feeling frozen by too many options — this episode will help you recognize what’s happening and give you permission to step back.

Try this:
The next time you catch yourself spinning, walk away. Move your body. Come back later. Notice what changes.

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Chapter List:

00:55 – Why Overthinking Happens During Projects
Ted shares how trying to plan every possible scenario on a project can spiral into overthinking.

02:11 – What Over-Controlling Leadership Looks Like
Bonnie describes what it’s like to work with leaders who try to control every detail instead of trusting their teams.

03:17 – How Overthinking Starts in Everyday Life
Bonnie shares a relatable story about planning the episode in the shower—and how quickly thinking can turn into a mental spiral.

06:41 – Why Stress and Deadlines Trigger Overthinking
Pressure, responsibility, and time constraints often push the brain into overthinking mode.

08:10 – The Hidden Rule Behind Overthinking
Ted introduces the deeper driver behind overthinking: protection and perfectionism.

10:46 – How Overthinking Hurts Team Collaboration
Trying to control everything can unintentionally shut down teamwork, creativity, and trust.

12:10 – How to Stop Overthinking (Simple Reset Tool)
Practical strategies for stepping away, resetting your mind, and regaining clarity.

14:14 – The Core Lesson: Step Away and Reset
Sometimes the best way forward is to pause, walk away, and return with fresh perspective.

16:55 – The First Move When You Notice Overthinking
If you catch yourself spiraling, step back, give your mind space, and come back later.

17:46 – How Collaboration Helps Perfectionist Thinkers
Ted explains how involving others transforms perfectionism into stronger teamwork and better decisions.

19:08 – Why Teams Always Sense Perfectionist Leaders
People can feel when a leader is trying to control everything—and it affects trust, openness, and creativity.

19:43 – Final Takeaway: Let Go of Control and Allow Growth
Closing thoughts on how stepping back and allowing collaboration leads to better outcomes.
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Subscribe for weekly conversations about shyness, anxiety recovery, emotional intelligence, confidence building, and stepping out of stuck.

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Connect with Bonnie here:
  / bonnie-brindle-the-anxiety-avenger  
https://bonniebrindlespeaks.com
https://bonniebrindle.com
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Connect with Ted Simmons here:
https://tedsimmonsspeaks.com/
  / ted-simmons