The One Question to Stop Overthinking and Start Living Happier
We’re all stuck in our heads! Replaying scenarios, weighing every option, ruminating, and getting nowhere. Overthinking drains your energy, raises your stress levels, and steals your joy. And the longer you stay in that loop, the harder it feels to make a move.
As my ma’ always says, “Most of the stuff we worry about never happens” and as annoying as it sounds in the moment, science backs her up! Research from Penn State found that more than 90% of the things people worry about either never happen or turn out far less serious than they imagined. Overthinking isn’t protecting you, unfortunately it’s holding you hostage.
The truth is that deep down, you usually do know what you want. You’ve just buried it under fear, expectations, and “what ifs.” That’s where this one question comes in.
“If I fully trusted myself, what would I do next?”
It’s simple, but it’s powerful. It cuts through the noise and gets you straight to the answer you’ve been avoiding; the one your gut already knows. This question taps into your intuition, which research shows often processes information faster and more accurately than conscious reasoning, especially in personal decision-making.
Why it works: Your brain can’t help but answer a direct question. Asking yourself this one disrupts the overthinking cycle by shifting focus from hypothetical fears to present-moment clarity. When you frame it around self-trust, you quiet the mental clutter and give your mind permission to find a solution instead of rehearsing every possible disaster.
Neuroscience tells us that fear activates the amygdala (the brain’s alarm system) which can hijack logical thinking. A self-trust question helps engage the prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and goal setting. Basically, it’s like switching from a fire alarm blaring in your head to having Cate Blanchett read you a bedtime story. Ohhhhh…
How to use it:
Ask it the moment you feel stuck or overwhelmed.
Answer quickly before fear or doubt steps in. The first thought that comes to mind is often the right answer.
Write your answer down without editing yourself.
Review your answers over time. Patterns will reveal your true priorities and values.
Oh hey! There you are. Finding yourself.
This isn’t about making reckless choices. It’s about building enough self-trust to make decisions that align with your goals and happiness; right now, not “someday.” The more you practice, the less overthinking controls you, and the more confident you become in your ability to navigate life.
Ready to Start Listening to Yourself?
I help people stop chasing perfect timing and start creating a life they love today. If you’re ready to trust yourself, make clear decisions, and feel confident in your next steps, let’s talk.
Book a free discovery call today → guideandseekcoaching.com/contact
