Sometimes we overthink things.
We usually know what needs to be done but we just can’t make ourselves do it.
Maybe it’s because we’re thinking of all the things that might go wrong, or we’re thinking is there a better way to do this?
This past week I delivered 6 learning sessions at a real estate conference. These were six sessions that I had delivered before so I was extremely comfortable with the material and the timing. I didn’t have to think too much during these sessions because, as the proverbial saying goes, “been there; done that.”
After the real estate conference, I flew across the country to attend another event with friends. Traveling through the various airports was easy. I didn’t put too much thought into it. I just showed up where I was supposed to be and followed the steps needed to get from Point A to Point B. Outside the Raleigh airport, I got in my friend’s car and we had the most enjoyable conversation about family, friends, and the future as we enjoyed a casual lunch and a 75-minute ride to my next destination. It was an effortless conversation, and thinking back on it…I don’t ever recall having to “think” about what I was going to say. It just happened and it was awesome.
The overthinking didn’t happen until I stepped on the golf course.
Much like delivering many of my presentations hundreds of times, I have played thousands of rounds of golf. I usually don’t put too much thought into my swing. Sure, I aim at my desired target and I know how to grip the club. I need to think about which club to hit and where I want my ball to land…but if I’m playing my best, I don’t really need to think about my swing. My body just knows what it should do based on the hundreds of thousands of good swings I have made in my life of playing the game. But not this week.
Maybe I need to rotate more? Maybe I am aimed in the wrong direction? Grip it tighter? Swing it slower? Inside? Outside?
Instead of simply taking a deep breath and swinging the club, I was overthinking everything. Do I have the right club? Should I hit it left or right? Widen my stance? Maybe shorten my stance?
Nope. I was definitely overthinking it…and it showed in my disappointing scores this week.
The good news is, despite the lackluster golf game, I had an excellent week. I got to do things I enjoy such as speaking and sharing with a group of eager learners, I got to travel and see some amazing parts of this great country, and I got to spend time with friends, mentors, and several new connections. It was amazing.
Our bodies know what they should do based on the hundreds of thousands of opportunities and experiences playing the game. Let your instinct and years of practice and preparation take over.
Don’t overthink the need to build relationships, solve problems, and have fun. You’ll know you’re doing it right when you’re not even thinking about it.