10 signs you're overthinking things

Hey,

If you're a designer, illustrator, or student, then you know that overthinking things is all too easy to do.

It's natural to want your work to be perfect, but sometimes it's important to remind yourself that good enough is good enough.

Here are ten signs that you might be overthinking things:

1. You can't seem to make a decision, no matter how hard you try.

If you've ever found yourself paralysed by the fear of making the wrong decision, then you're definitely not alone. In fact, overthinking is one of the most common causes of indecision. But what can you do about it?

One thing that helps is to remember that no decision is ever final. You can always change your mind later on if you need to. So if you're stuck, just pick something and go with it.

2. You're constantly second-guessing yourself.

If you find yourself constantly doubting your own abilities, you're probably overthinking things. Second-guessing yourself will only lead to frustration and make it more difficult to complete tasks.

3. You spend more time planning than actually working.

It's easy to get caught up in the planning stage and never get started on your project. However, if you want to be a successful graphic designer, you must learn to balance planning and action.

Don't spend too much time planning or you'll never finish your project, but don't jump right in either. Find and maintain a healthy balance.

4. You feel like everything you create is terrible.

It's common for people who are new to graphic design to feel like everything they create is terrible. In fact, even experienced graphic designers often feel this way. It's part of the creative process. You have to put your work out there, even if it's not perfect, in order to get better.

5. You're always looking for the perfect solution.

If you're the type of person who is always searching for the perfect solution, then chances are you're overthinking things. Instead of looking for perfection, try to focus on finding a good enough solution that will work for now.

6. You get so focused on the details that you lose sight of the big picture.

When working on a design project, it's critical to pay attention to the details. However, if you become overly focused on the details, you may lose sight of the big picture. This can cause issues when brainstorming ideas because you may not be able to see the forest for the trees.

Take a step back and try to see the big picture if you find yourself getting too caught up in the details. This can assist you in coming up with better ideas and staying on track.

7. You're never satisfied with your work.

There is always room for improvement, no matter how good your work is. However, if you are never satisfied with your work, it may indicate that you are overthinking things.

If you find yourself constantly criticising your work, try taking a step back and looking at the big picture. It's sometimes better to let go and move on to the next project.

8. You're overanalysing every little detail.

If you spend hours analysing every minute detail, you are definitely overthinking. Sometimes it's best to simply follow your instincts and not overthink situations.

9. You're stressing out about things that are beyond your control.

If you're constantly worrying about things that are out of your control, then you're definitely overthinking things. Instead of stressing out, try to focus on the things that you can control and make a plan to deal with the rest.

10. You're letting perfectionism control your life and stopping you from being productive.

If you're a perfectionist, you know the feeling all too well. You spend hours on a single project, and when it's finally finished, you realise that it's not quite perfect. So you start over, and the cycle repeats itself until you eventually give up out of sheer frustration. Perfectionism can be a crippling habit that stops us from being truly productive.

If you find yourself constantly overthinking things and struggling to let go of the need for perfection, it might be time to take a step back and reassess your priorities. Remember, done is better than perfect!

Overthinking can be a major problem that causes all sorts of problems in your life. If you think you might be overthinking things, then try to focus on finding a solution that works for now and don't sweat the small stuff.

Remember, no decision is ever final and you can always change your mind later on if you need to.

Overthinking things can be a common problem for graphic designers. If you find yourself doing it, try to take a step back and see the big picture. This can help you come up with better ideas and stay on track.

Thanks for reading!
—Gary