Why overthinking might be a superpower

I'm passionate about sharing actionable advice and mentoring to help you figure out what you want from your career – whether you're just starting out or not. I now write regularly about all of this on my blog, which you can subscribe to here.

I share personal experiences – with lessons from my career – as well as honest thoughts on unanswered questions.

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I love sharing ideas.

As soon as one pops into my brain I'm stupidly keen to share it.

By spouting whatever has come to mind at that moment (or professionally explaining... you decide!), I kickstart my brain and then begin to develop it very quickly on the spot.

It's my version of the creativity 'faucet', but out loud.*

It works for me, but that I don't overthink too much either.

That doesn't mean I ignore the problem at hand or fail to appreciate the detail, but I'm always considering the bigger picture.

But... this is where I need a details person to balance me out.

In reality, I need an overthinker.

I need someone who can drill down into the detail to find the hidden gems. Someone who will keep endlessly searching and analysing, finding out as much as they can along the way.

And before they start to drown and go beyond their best, I know I can pull them back out and help them to take a breath.

It's a combination that works.

It also makes me realise how hard it is to be an overthinker – balancing your relentless ability to get stuff done with a brain that doesn't want to stop considering all the angles.

Or switch off.

If this is you, I know you're the type who never gives up. Your superpower is your ability to keep going and going.

Just remember to know your limits, or find someone who can help you find them.

*Shout out to Andrew Lynch who shared the creativity faucet article with me a few weeks ago. It perfectly sums up the creative process and I highly recommend reading it. Here it is again. I just it said tap and not faucet!