Breaking Free from Overthinking: Empowering Christian Women Visionaries to Pursue God’s Visions
Hey there, Christian woman visionary! Do you ever find yourself getting stuck in your own head, overthinking and second-guessing your ideas and plans? It’s a common struggle for many of us, and it can be a major obstacle to living out the dreams and visions God has placed in our hearts. Overthinking can cause us to doubt ourselves, hesitate to take action, and even miss out on opportunities God has for us. But we’re not alone in this struggle – even some of the greatest heroes of the Bible dealt with overthinking and self-doubt. Take Moses, for example. When God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses was filled with doubt and fear. He asked God questions like, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” and “What if they do not believe me or listen to me?” (Exodus 3:11, 4:1). Despite his doubts, God reassured Moses and gave him the strength and courage he needed to fulfill his mission. In the same way, God can help us overcome our overthinking and self-doubt, and empower us to pursue the visions he has for our lives.
When I find myself beginning to overthink, I say, “Nanette, Code DOTI (Don’t Overthink It)!” Yes, I call a “code” on myself. You know like in the hospital. When there is an emergency, you’ll hear over the PA, “Code Red or Code Blue!” So I call a code on myself because it is an emergency. I’m about to allow a debilitating vision blocker to infiltrate my space. Oh! It’s an emergency alright!
So practically speaking, what can you do?
Step 1: Recognize the problem
The first step to overcoming overthinking is to recognize when it’s happening. Pay attention to the thoughts that keep cycling through your mind, and notice when they’re preventing you from taking action or moving forward. Are you constantly questioning yourself and your abilities? Are you afraid to take risks or try new things? Once you’re aware of the problem, you can start taking steps to address it.
Step 2: Identify the root cause
Next, it’s important to identify the root cause of your overthinking. Is it anxiety, perfectionism, self-doubt, or something else? Spend some time reflecting on why you might be struggling with this particular issue. Journaling can be a helpful tool for this step. Write down your thoughts and feelings, and look for patterns or recurring themes.
Step 3: Replace negative thoughts with truth
One of the most powerful ways to combat overthinking is to replace negative thoughts with truth. As Christian women, we have a wealth of truth at our fingertips in the form of Scripture. Look for verses that speak directly to the root cause of your overthinking, and meditate on them regularly.
For example:
If you struggle with anxiety: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
If you struggle with self-doubt: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
If you struggle with perfectionism: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Step 4: Take action
Finally, the most important step in overcoming overthinking is to take action. Start small, and focus on taking one step at a time towards your vision or goal. Don’t worry about having everything figured out perfectly – just start moving forward, and trust that God will guide you along the way. Remember, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3.
It’s important to note that overthinking can have negative effects on mental health and well-being, such as increased anxiety and depression. If you find that you are overthinking, it may be helpful to practice mindfulness, engage in activities that bring you joy, or seek support from a mental health professional.
Reflection Questions:
- What recurring thoughts or beliefs hold you back from pursuing your vision or dreams?
- What steps can you take to combat these negative thoughts or beliefs?
- What is one small action you can take today towards your vision or goal?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come to you today with a heart full of overthinking and doubt. I ask for your help in overcoming these vision blockers, and for the strength to take action towards the future you have planned for me. Help me to replace negative thoughts with your truth, and to trust in your guidance and provision. Thank you for your love and grace, and for the gifts and talents you have given me. I pray that I may use them to glorify you and serve others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
