How do we know when we’re stuck in our heads?

Sometimes we just know. In my practice, leaders regularly tell me, "I know what I need to do but I just can’t get out of my head." My follow up question is typically something around what being in their head looks like for them or how they know when they’re stuck in their head. The answer is always different.

For some, they become overwhelmed with a swirl of thoughts and ideas with little ability to generate action toward their goals.

For others, it means missing deadlines, avoiding conflict, overly accommodating others, or adding commitments to their already full plates.

For all, the result of being stuck in their heads means they’re unable to hone in on the results they want. 

Needless to say, when we’re stuck in our heads, it limits our potential. The mind-body connection is critical to overcoming our self-limiting beliefs.

Olympic lifting was my jam for more than a decade before reconstructive surgery on my left shoulder forced me into hiatus. It’s what I did for many years to get away from the noise of the world and push myself beyond what I believed possible. But there was just one thing that held me back from putting up what I would consider serious weight. 

Despite the fact that this sport is highly dependent on the body, it was always my head that limited me. There were times when adding even two tiny one pound weights to each side of the bar was enough for me to reach failure, when just moments before, I easily snatched the bar over my head. The times I hit a personal best, I often surprised myself with the ease and effort at which the bar just seemed to find its way into position. 

The difference in these moments is that I was able to get out of my head and let muscle memory take over. Leadership is no different. Many of us have had the formal training, the mentorship, the experience, and yet when faced with a challenge that feels harder than one we’ve faced before, we get the yips. We immediately overthink, overanalyze, and over assume our way out of taking action. 

These are the moments where we have to remember to breathe, to trust our instincts, and to lead with intention. You are capable of more than you believe possible. Stop thinking about it, just do it.