From Overthinking to Action: How to Quiet the Noise and Just Take the Next Step

You've been staring at that LinkedIn message for 20 minutes.

Should I mention I'm job searching? Is this too forward? Maybe I should wait until tomorrow...

Meanwhile, someone else just hit send and booked the coffee meeting that could've been yours.

Sound familiar?

Here's Your Wake-Up Call

While you're perfecting your approach, opportunities are passing you by. The brutal truth? The job offers don't go to the best thinkers. They go to the people who take smart, visible action.

Ready to stop spinning and start moving?

I've helped hundreds of CPG professionals break through analysis paralysis. If you're tired of overthinking every move, let's talk. Book a free 20-minute strategy call and I'll help you identify the ONE action that will create momentum this week. Limited spots available—because overthinking this opportunity would be ironic, wouldn't it?

Why Your Brain Keeps You Stuck (And Safe)

Let's be honest about what's really happening when you spend 45 minutes debating whether to follow up on that application.

Overthinking feels productive. You're strategizing! Planning! Being thorough!

But really? You're hiding.

Behind every overthought decision is fear:

Fear of making the wrong move
Fear of looking desperate
Fear of rejection
Fear of success (yes, really)

Your brain thinks it's protecting you by keeping you in research mode. But in job search, perfect timing doesn't exist. The "right" moment is usually right now.

The 5-Minute Decision Framework That Changes Everything

When I coach clients through job search paralysis, we use this simple framework:

Name the Decision--Write it down. "Should I reach out to the hiring manager?" Seeing it on paper strips away 80% of the emotional noise.
Set a Timer for 5 Minutes--Ask yourself: "What would my Professional Self do?" Not your anxious self. Not your perfectionist self. Your professional, confident self who's handled tough situations before.
Take the First (Imperfect) Step--Send the message. Book the call. Submit the application. You can always refine later, but you can't refine what doesn't exist.

Real CPGers Who Stopped Thinking and Started Doing

Sarah, Brand Manager → VP of Marketing

Spent three weeks "perfecting" her outreach messages. Finally sent one imperfect message daily. Result? Two interviews in 10 days, offer within 6 weeks.

Mike, Sales Director → Chief Revenue Officer

Couldn't decide between CPG and tech. Took one coffee meeting in each space. Within two weeks, knew exactly where he belonged. Landed his dream role in 3 months.

Jennifer, Supply Chain Manager → Director of Operations

Overthought every LinkedIn post for months. Started sharing one insight weekly without editing. A CEO reached out after her third post.

The pattern? Movement creates clarity. Perfection creates paralysis.

Your Overthinking Inventory

Be honest. Where are you stuck in analysis mode?

That resume you've revised 17 times
The LinkedIn message sitting in drafts
The networking event you keep "planning" to attend
The hiring manager you're "waiting for the right time" to contact
The job posting you've read 50 times without applying

Pick one. Just one. That's your action item for the next 24 hours.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Job Search Success

The people landing great roles aren't smarter than you. They're not more qualified. They're not luckier.

They just move faster.

While you're crafting the perfect elevator pitch, they're having real conversations. While you're researching the company for the tenth time, they're reaching out to employees. While you're waiting for the perfect moment, they're creating opportunities.

Breaking the Overthinking Cycle: Your Action Plan

Monday Morning:

Open your job search spreadsheet
Identify THREE decisions you've been avoiding
Apply the 5-minute framework to ONE

This Week:

Send one networking message daily (imperfect is fine)
Apply to two roles without revising your resume again
Book one informational interview

This Month:

Track actions taken, not time spent thinking
Celebrate every imperfect step forward
Notice how momentum builds momentum

What Would Tomorrow Look Like If You Stopped Overthinking Today?

Imagine waking up tomorrow having already:

Sent that message
Submitted that application
Booked that coffee meeting
Posted that update

How would that feel? What could next week look like if you took just one imperfect action daily?

Your Next Step Starts Now

Look at your job search to-do list. Find the thing you've been overthinking the longest.

Set a timer for 5 minutes.

Ask: "What would my Professional Self do?"

Then do it. Imperfectly. Immediately.

Because here's the secret every successful job seeker knows: Done beats perfect. Every single time.

Still Stuck? Let's Break Through Together

Sometimes you need someone to call you on your overthinking and help you see the clear next step. That's exactly what I do.

Through my coaching programs, I help CPG professionals:

Build a simple, sustainable job search system
Take consistent action without the anxiety
Land roles faster by moving smarter

Book your free strategy call and let's identify the ONE action that will change your job search this week.

P.S. Reading this newsletter is great. But you know what's better? Taking one action based on it. What will yours be?

P.P.S. If you're thinking "I should wait until I'm ready to book that call"—that's literally the overthinking we just talked about. Book it now. Future You will thank Present You.

Connect with me on LinkedIn and mention this blog in your invitation to get your free CPG Job Search Resources guide.

Schedule a call with me to discuss your next steps.

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