Our Minds Distort Our Mirrors: Breaking Free From Overthinking 

Listen here.

I don't know about you guys, but I am a CRAZY overthinker. 

I know that word tends to get a bad reputation, so let's break it down and understand what's really happening in our minds. 

What Overthinking Really Means 

To put it simply, overthinking is excessive contemplation. Your mind gets stuck in a loop of excessive thinking that goes far beyond normal problem-solving. It's when your thoughts aren't leading anywhere productive - no solutions, no insights - just leaving you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. 

The most damaging part? Overthinking focuses on dwelling on the problem and how bad you feel, which continues that exhausting cycle of rumination. 

This is where our minds truly distort our mirrors.

The Power Of Our Thoughts

Our thoughts are incredibly powerful. By changing our thoughts, we can actually change what we believe, and therefore change how we act toward certain things. 

I used to deal with really bad self-doubt and insecurities. These feelings do still come up every once in a while, but not nearly as often as they used to. 

Here's what I learned: when your brain comes up with negative things about yourself, you will start to believe them. That distorted version becomes what you see when you look in the mirror. Even though most of the time it's not true, it will seem that way because in that moment, those are the only thoughts circling around in your mind. 

This is the time where you need to change your thoughts. 

It Takes Time (And That's Okay)

Now I know this isn't going to change overnight - that's just not possible. It's going to take time and a lot of personal development. But the journey is worth it.

Starting With Affirmations 

Affirmations are a great place to start when it comes to shifting your thoughts. At the start of each day, begin by telling yourself AT LEAST one affirmation. 

The affirmation can be something really simple that you can build off of. I think a great one to start with is:

"I am confident."

When you first start saying it, it's going to feel really weird in your mind and body. That's just because you're not used to hearing it, especially not from yourself!

The Magic Happens With Repetition 

But here's the amazing thing that happens: the more you tell yourself these affirmations, the more your mind will start to accept them as true. 

Putting In The Work 

You do have to put in the work though. If you're a vision board person, it can help to put those affirmations on your board so you can see them and remind yourself to say them out loud. 

As affirmations become a regular part of your routine, you can increase the number you use, or create an Affirmation Statement - a powerful declaration that highlights the things you want to embody and become. 

This will not only help you shift your mindset, but also help you see what is truly possible for you. 

Never Underestimate the Power of Words 

The true lesson here is to never underestimate the power of words, whether they come from you or someone else. Words are powerful. They shape our reality, our self-image, and our potential. 

If words and speaking are something you really struggle with, I highly encourage you to check out my Public Speaking Confidence Workbook. Not only will this help during work presentations, but also in everyday life, especially as an introvert. There are exercises in this workbook that help build on your speaking skills over time until you truly feel confident and comfortable speaking in front of others. 

Words have power, and that's important to take note of. Even when you think it's something so small, it can have a big effect on someone - including yourself. 

Our minds distort our mirrors. But we have the power to change what we see. One affirmation, one positive thought, one day at a time.