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Step 29

Managing Overthinking

Waiting creates space for imagined outcomes.


  • “What if I don’t get in?”

  • “What if everyone else gets better results?”

  • “What if I messed something up?”


Thoughts like these feel urgent because they are emotional, not because they are useful.

Core Idea

A thought can feel important without being useful.

Your One Action

Start your Spiral Interrupter.


Write down one thought you keep returning to about college decisions.


Then complete: “I have already done ______, and right now I can focus on ______.”


Keep the second part concrete and current.


Examples:

  • finishing schoolwork

  • spending time with friends

  • exercising

  • resting

  • preparing gradually

  • enjoying senior year


Optional prompt: “This thought usually shows up most when ______.”

Spiral Interrupter

Optional Prompt Answer

Deeper Reflection

"The thought I keep returning to is ______." 


Then ask: "Does revisiting this thought help me take action, or does it mostly keep me emotionally stuck?"

Life Question
What source of stress currently feels hardest to control, and what part of it can you realistically respond to?

Progress Saved

Senior

Phase 4
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