?? Perception vs. Reality: Lessons Learned from a Lifelong Overthinker

I’ve always been a planner. If there was a way to map out every scenario and anticipate every twist, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But over time, I've realized how many of those mental rabbit holes lead to dead ends. How often has perception clouded what’s actually there, creating stress over a future I could never fully control? If you’re anything like me, you probably know that feeling all too well.

The truth is, our mental forecasts rarely match reality. Sure, some things work out exactly as we envision, but how often does that happen? Most of the time, we find ourselves adapting, pivoting, or even starting over. It’s as if life knows we’re making plans and laughs, saying, “Oh, you think you know how this will go?” With each twist, I’ve learned that the energy spent stressing over every detail could’ve been used better just putting my best foot forward and letting things play out. Reality may not follow our plans, but it always leads us somewhere.

When Perception Gets in the Way ??

A few years back, I took on a big project that seemed foolproof in my head. I’d analyzed every potential issue, dotted every “i” and crossed every “t.” But the reality? It was nothing like I’d pictured. There were curveballs I’d never even considered. Yet looking back, those “unplanned” elements taught me more than the parts I thought I had figured out. That’s the thing about perception: it convinces us we have a clear view when we’re only seeing half the picture.

I used to think that if I could just visualize every outcome, I’d have a sense of control. But all that did was layer unnecessary stress onto an already unpredictable process. These days, I try not to let my perceptions dictate how I approach things. Instead, I focus on putting in the effort and rolling with whatever reality throws my way.

Learning from the Not-So-Great Outcomes ??

Not every story has a perfect ending, and let’s be honest, we all have our share of “less-than-ideal” outcomes. But in every failure, there’s a nugget of experience that makes the next attempt a little more informed. I’ve lost count of the times I tried, failed, regrouped, and tried again. But each time, I felt a bit more capable, a bit wiser, and oddly enough, more willing to take another shot.

The Real Investment: Just Showing Up ??

Ultimately, it all comes down to effort. The future is out of our hands, but the effort we put in? That’s entirely on us. Now, when I catch myself starting to overthink, I remind myself of one simple truth: putting my best foot forward is the best investment I can make. The score might not reflect it immediately, but it’s there, adding up.

So, to those of us prone to overthinking, let’s remember: the future is going to unfold in its own way, regardless of our mental gymnastics. Let’s put aside the pressure to predict every outcome and just keep moving forward. And if things don’t go our way? We’ll be back, this time with more insight and a stronger resolve.