The Gap Between Thinking & Doing: How I Move on My Ideas Without Overthinking

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me, “How do you have the energy to do all this?”—I’d probably have enough to fund the next big idea that randomly pops into my head at 2 a.m.

I get it, though. On paper, it looks like I’m doing a lot: writing a children’s book, building this blog, planning Healing Spaces (happening June 14th in Hyde Park!), developing a therapy group, working, and growing my brand.

People assume I must have some superhuman motivation, but honestly y’all…I don’t wait for motivation. I just move.

I don’t sit around waiting for the right time or overthink every little detail before I take the first step. If God gave me the idea, I trust that He will give me everything I need to execute it. And if He doesn’t? Then maybe I was just supposed to try, learn something, and pivot. Either way, I don’t sit on it. I do it.

But let me also be clear—this isn’t just some cute personality trait. It’s trauma.

When Your Trauma Trains You to Just “Figure It Out”

I grew up having to be the one who gets it done—the oldest daughter, the responsible one, the one who had to keep it moving no matter what. There was no time to dwell, no space to hesitate. If something needed to be handled, I handled it. And if I didn’t know how? I learned quickly.

For a long time, I thought this was just who I was: someone who takes action, someone who always has a plan. But after a lot (and I mean a lot) of therapy, I’ve realized this is a survival response.

When you grow up experiencing loss, instability, or moments where you had to take care of things before you were ready, you don’t get the luxury of waiting. You learn to move because you have to. That urgency becomes second nature, and suddenly, you’re an adult treating every idea, every goal, every opportunity like it’s life or death.

And while that makes me incredibly productive, it also means I have to be intentional about making sure this isn’t just my nervous system in overdrive. I have to make sure I’m not just chasing the next goal to avoid sitting with stillness.

So, this isn’t me telling you to move recklessly or take on everything at once. It’s about bridging the gap between thinking and doing in a way that’s healthy, intentional, and sustainable.

How I Act on My Ideas (Without Overthinking or Burning Out)

1. I trust that the idea came to me for a reason.

If something keeps pulling at me—whether it’s an event, a book, a new project—I don’t talk myself out of it. I trust that if it landed in my spirit, it’s worth exploring. I don’t need a full plan. I don’t need permission. I just need to start.

A lot of people kill their own dreams before they even get started by talking themselves out of it:

• “What if it doesn’t work?”

• “What if I’m not ready?”

• “What if someone else is already doing it?”

I don’t give myself the time to spiral into those thoughts. Instead, I ask myself, “What’s the smallest first step I can take?” And then I take it.

2. I regulate my nervous system so I’m acting from alignment, not survival mode.

Editor note: Sometimes I say things in this blog and I’m like wow— that’s a deep cut, did I really say that? For a long time, I didn’t realize that my constant need to be productive was just my nervous system trying to keep me safe. When you’ve been in high-stress situations for most of your life, your body gets used to running on fight-or-flight mode.

Now, I make sure I’m not just staying busy to avoid being still. I regulate my nervous system so that I’m acting from clarity and not just survival instincts. Some things that help:

• The Butterfly Hug: A self-soothing technique where you cross your arms over your chest and gently tap each shoulder. It’s great for grounding when I feel overwhelmed. I posted a video of me doing this on the socials, make sure you lock in and follow me :) here for tiktok

• Deep Breathing & Movement: Whether it’s stretching, a walk, or a full workout, I use movement to help regulate my emotions.

• Intentional Rest: When I need a break, I take one. The goal is sustained progress, not burnout.

3. I have built-in balance so my life isn’t just work.

Let me say this loud and clear: I do not believe in hustle culture.

I go hard for my goals, yes, but I also prioritize joy, connection, and rest so I’m not running on fumes.

• I have weekly rituals that keep me grounded. My family and I check in often, and my friends and I have "Wednesday Waffles," which is just a fun tradition that keeps us connected. Family connection is a huge part of my values and I’ve learned that staying connected makes me feel anchored, I encourage you to figure out what are you values and go from there.

• I always have something to look forward to. Whether it’s a trip, a concert, or a new book I’m excited to read, I make sure my life isn’t just about grinding.

• My workouts are non-negotiable. Not for aesthetics (kinda really all for the aesthetics lmaooo), but because I know my body needs movement to feel good.

Success should not come at the cost of your peace. You are a human first.

4. I don’t need to know every step—I just need to take the first one.

Most people never start because they feel like they need a full plan before they take action.

Not me.

If I know the very first thing I need to do, I do it. Maybe that’s writing the first paragraph, sending the first email, or booking the first venue. Once you do one thing, the next thing reveals itself.

The longer you wait, the more reasons you’ll find to not do it.

You Don’t Need More Time—You Need to Start.

A lot of people assume I’m fearless. I’m not. I just refuse to let fear make my decisions for me.

I don’t wait until I “feel ready” because ready is a moving target. I don’t wait for the perfect time because it doesn’t exist.

What I do is trust that I have everything I need to begin.

So if there’s something you’ve been sitting on—an idea, a goal, a move you know you need to make—consider this your push to start.

Even if you’re not sure where it’s going.
Even if you don’t have all the answers.
Even if you’re scared.

Because time will pass either way.
The only question is—will you have something to show for it?