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Don't Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Nonfiction (2020)We've all been there: stuck in a cycle of what-ifs, plagued by indecision, paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong. Nobody wants to live a life of constant overthinking, but it doesn't feel like something we can choose to stop doing. It feels like something we're wired to do, something we just can't escape. But is it?
Anne Bogel's answer is no. Not only can you overcome negative thought patterns that are repetitive, unhealthy, and unhelpful, you can replace them with positive thought patterns that will bring more peace, joy, and love into your life. In Don't Overthink It, you'll find actionable strategies that can make an immediate and lasting difference in how you deal with questions both small--Should I buy these flowers?--and large--What am I doing with my life? More than a book about making good decisions, Don't Overthink It offers you a framework for making choices you'll be comfortable with, using an appropriate amount of energy, freeing you to focus on all the other stuff that matters in life.
Anne Bogel's answer is no. Not only can you overcome negative thought patterns that are repetitive, unhealthy, and unhelpful, you can replace them with positive thought patterns that will bring more peace, joy, and love into your life. In Don't Overthink It, you'll find actionable strategies that can make an immediate and lasting difference in how you deal with questions both small--Should I buy these flowers?--and large--What am I doing with my life? More than a book about making good decisions, Don't Overthink It offers you a framework for making choices you'll be comfortable with, using an appropriate amount of energy, freeing you to focus on all the other stuff that matters in life.
217 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2020
About the author
Anne Bogel
7 books55k followersAnne Bogel is an author, the creator of the blog Modern Mrs. Darcy, and host of What Should I Read Next? podcast.
Her newest book Don’t Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life came out on March 3, 2020.
Her second book I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life explores the way our books shape, define, enchant, and even sometimes infuriate us. It’s the perfect gift for any bibliophile and will command an honored place on the (overstuffed) bookshelves of any book lover.
Reading People: How Seeing the World Through the Lens of Personality Changes Everything digs into Anne’s experience with the personality frameworks she loves the most and walks you through 7 different frameworks, explaining the basics in a way you can actually understand. She shares personal stories about how what she learned made a difference in her life and shows you how it could make a difference in yours, as well.
Modern Mrs. Darcy, which derives its name from a Jane Austen book, is a lifestyle blog for nerds who appreciate Anne’s modus operandi of approaching old, familiar ideas from new and fresh angles. While Modern Mrs. Darcy isn’t strictly a book blog, Anne writes frequently about books and reading. Her book lists are among her most popular posts. She is well known by readers, authors, and publishers as a tastemaker. In 2016, she launched her podcast What Should I Read Next?—a popular show devoted to literary matchmaking, bibliotherapy, and all things books and reading.
Anne lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband, four children, and a yellow lab named Daisy.
Her newest book Don’t Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life came out on March 3, 2020.
Her second book I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life explores the way our books shape, define, enchant, and even sometimes infuriate us. It’s the perfect gift for any bibliophile and will command an honored place on the (overstuffed) bookshelves of any book lover.
Reading People: How Seeing the World Through the Lens of Personality Changes Everything digs into Anne’s experience with the personality frameworks she loves the most and walks you through 7 different frameworks, explaining the basics in a way you can actually understand. She shares personal stories about how what she learned made a difference in her life and shows you how it could make a difference in yours, as well.
Modern Mrs. Darcy, which derives its name from a Jane Austen book, is a lifestyle blog for nerds who appreciate Anne’s modus operandi of approaching old, familiar ideas from new and fresh angles. While Modern Mrs. Darcy isn’t strictly a book blog, Anne writes frequently about books and reading. Her book lists are among her most popular posts. She is well known by readers, authors, and publishers as a tastemaker. In 2016, she launched her podcast What Should I Read Next?—a popular show devoted to literary matchmaking, bibliotherapy, and all things books and reading.
Anne lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband, four children, and a yellow lab named Daisy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,665 reviews
March 3, 2020
It's here!
I'd like to share a quote from Annie Dillard that captures why this topic is so important to me, and to you:
How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing.
When we spend our time overthinking, that's what we're doing.
Nobody wants to live a life characterized by overthinking. I'm certain you have better things to do. This book is for those of us who, like me, want to live our lives well. And we know living well depends upon thinking well—about the things that matter. We want to learn how to overcome decision fatigue, stop feeling overwhelmed, cut the second-guessing, and bring more peace and joy into our lives.
That means learning strategies for approaching both our minutes and our days.
Over the years, I've seen how simple strategies and subtle shifts of perspective trigger lightbulb moments that make some aspect of life easier. These small shifts, taken one at a time, are just that: small. But cumulatively, they've transformed life.
I wanted to share this information with others, and that's how I came to write this book. As I learned more and more about overthinking, I was shocked by how many facets of our lives overthinking touches—even for those of us who consider ourselves to be decisive! I wanted to write a book that reflects both the far-reaching, destructive effects of overthinking and the not-always-obvious ways we can learn to do better.
This is that book. The topic sounds like a downer, but the book is not. It's a practical read, but also a fun one, full of insight, encouragement, and JOY. I hope you love it, and that it helps you live a life you'll consider to be well-lived.
I'd like to share a quote from Annie Dillard that captures why this topic is so important to me, and to you:
How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing.
When we spend our time overthinking, that's what we're doing.
Nobody wants to live a life characterized by overthinking. I'm certain you have better things to do. This book is for those of us who, like me, want to live our lives well. And we know living well depends upon thinking well—about the things that matter. We want to learn how to overcome decision fatigue, stop feeling overwhelmed, cut the second-guessing, and bring more peace and joy into our lives.
That means learning strategies for approaching both our minutes and our days.
Over the years, I've seen how simple strategies and subtle shifts of perspective trigger lightbulb moments that make some aspect of life easier. These small shifts, taken one at a time, are just that: small. But cumulatively, they've transformed life.
I wanted to share this information with others, and that's how I came to write this book. As I learned more and more about overthinking, I was shocked by how many facets of our lives overthinking touches—even for those of us who consider ourselves to be decisive! I wanted to write a book that reflects both the far-reaching, destructive effects of overthinking and the not-always-obvious ways we can learn to do better.
This is that book. The topic sounds like a downer, but the book is not. It's a practical read, but also a fun one, full of insight, encouragement, and JOY. I hope you love it, and that it helps you live a life you'll consider to be well-lived.
June 5, 2023
The tough Old Guard in my slave-driven workplace - many of whom, like my rough friend Jack, were ex-military - used to drive the point Anne Bogel makes here, relentlessly.
And the point is...?
The KISS Princple.
Keep It Simple, Stupid! And I always remembered to use it there.
But in retirement, besieged on all sides by COVID, you see, I forgot...
WOW!!! I got a theory: I developed it while thinking about Anne Bogel’s wonderful book.
I think we’ve now got far too many Mental Microbes.
Self-doubt. Ennui. Guilt. Sloth. The list is endless.
They’re our Mental Bugs.
And now especially, with social distancing. NOW you can add anger and Nameless Dread to that list. These emotions can FREEZE our actions and prevent us from acting DECISIVELY.
We doubt ourselves, waffle and waver, and our headspace is a Jumble Sale chock full of unattractive remnants of negative thinking.
During lockdown we obsess. Nowadays, we're all channelled by the media onto what Eliot called "the metalled rails of appetency." Why? To drive the economy...
But when the economy is temporarily stalled by COVID, all our drive dries up. We become like Celeste Headlee, TedTalks star, in her wonderful sleeper of a book, Do Nothing.
We become exactly like the Roadrunner cartoon would be like if Wily Coyote kicked the bucket. We become a PACK OF NERVES.
But Celeste Headlee finds the cure in her book. We can find ours.
So how CAN we change all that - RIGHT NOW - and ACT, with a clear, peaceful, positive attitude?
Anne can show us how.
Life’s no bed of roses - and it’s worse right now. So now’s the time to summon up our moral Sergeant-Major to bring some Straight ‘n Narrow Clarity into our overwrought heads.
Anne’s that Sergeant-Major. She’ll fix you up.
As you read her, keep your mind OPEN.
Don’t mentally diss this book for being too simplistic. It’s not.
IT’s THE TOUGH TALK WE NEED.
Would you like to return to normalcy again?
Would you like to have a peaceful, sane way to deal with the mountains of problems that now prevent clear, rational action?
Read THIS BOOK.
It can WORK if you let it.
And the point is...?
The KISS Princple.
Keep It Simple, Stupid! And I always remembered to use it there.
But in retirement, besieged on all sides by COVID, you see, I forgot...
WOW!!! I got a theory: I developed it while thinking about Anne Bogel’s wonderful book.
I think we’ve now got far too many Mental Microbes.
Self-doubt. Ennui. Guilt. Sloth. The list is endless.
They’re our Mental Bugs.
And now especially, with social distancing. NOW you can add anger and Nameless Dread to that list. These emotions can FREEZE our actions and prevent us from acting DECISIVELY.
We doubt ourselves, waffle and waver, and our headspace is a Jumble Sale chock full of unattractive remnants of negative thinking.
During lockdown we obsess. Nowadays, we're all channelled by the media onto what Eliot called "the metalled rails of appetency." Why? To drive the economy...
But when the economy is temporarily stalled by COVID, all our drive dries up. We become like Celeste Headlee, TedTalks star, in her wonderful sleeper of a book, Do Nothing.
We become exactly like the Roadrunner cartoon would be like if Wily Coyote kicked the bucket. We become a PACK OF NERVES.
But Celeste Headlee finds the cure in her book. We can find ours.
So how CAN we change all that - RIGHT NOW - and ACT, with a clear, peaceful, positive attitude?
Anne can show us how.
Life’s no bed of roses - and it’s worse right now. So now’s the time to summon up our moral Sergeant-Major to bring some Straight ‘n Narrow Clarity into our overwrought heads.
Anne’s that Sergeant-Major. She’ll fix you up.
As you read her, keep your mind OPEN.
Don’t mentally diss this book for being too simplistic. It’s not.
IT’s THE TOUGH TALK WE NEED.
Would you like to return to normalcy again?
Would you like to have a peaceful, sane way to deal with the mountains of problems that now prevent clear, rational action?
Read THIS BOOK.
It can WORK if you let it.
May 3, 2020
How do I even begin to review a book with so many nuggets of wisdom, that if I listed them all I’d re-write the entire book?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking this book is only for overthinkers. At its heart, it’s a book to help anyone live a more joyful, abundant life. I read my e-galley once for an overview and now will go back through and slowly read the hard copy I pre-ordered and put these nuggets of wisdom into practice.
Anne is one of my favorite bloggers/podcasters and this book is pure gold. The book is written in Anne’s trademark easy-going, conversational style. I was delighted to receive an e-galley and be a part of the launch team.
This book will be on my keeper shelf! Excellent!
Don’t make the mistake of thinking this book is only for overthinkers. At its heart, it’s a book to help anyone live a more joyful, abundant life. I read my e-galley once for an overview and now will go back through and slowly read the hard copy I pre-ordered and put these nuggets of wisdom into practice.
Anne is one of my favorite bloggers/podcasters and this book is pure gold. The book is written in Anne’s trademark easy-going, conversational style. I was delighted to receive an e-galley and be a part of the launch team.
This book will be on my keeper shelf! Excellent!
March 30, 2021
When my husband and I bought our first house together, I set upon the large project of painting every room. Many hours were spent on Pinterest and at the paint store ruminating on just the right shades. I decided that everything needed to be done with Benjamin Moore “Ben” eggshell for consistency and purchased many gallons. I’d paint the hallway Revere Pewter and our bedroom Chelsea Gray, only to fret the following week that they didn’t flow well together. Back to Pinterest, back to the store, back up the ladder to repaint. After the fourth time I painted the family room (Hawthorne Yellow), I had a little meltdown because I realized I should have chosen all the colors from BM’s Historical Color Collection… obviously. What would people think if they came over and realized the Santorini Blue I used in the laundry room was from the Classic Color Collection? Back to the paint store. Back up the ladder.
So yeah, Oprah. I know just what you mean about living your best life.
But I also know this is not normal behavior. The Great Paint Debacle was rock bottom for me, and I have to actively do things to not fall back into that type of overthinking. Outside of professional intervention, one of my key strategies is constantly listening to audiobooks. If I’m engaged in a story or text, I’m not obsessing over paint colors. Another is occasionally selecting self help books on the subjects of mental health and living a life of minimalism. Mind Maintenance Reading, I call it.
Which leads us to Anne Bogel’s 2020 release, Don’t Overthink It. Bogel is the creator of the super popular Modern Mrs. Darcy blog and What Should I Read Next? podcast. Her books are distributed by Christian publishers, but hopefully that won’t deter anyone. A Psalm or anecdote about her pastor really shouldn’t be alienating to those of other faiths.
The subtitle of her third book clearly states its objective to help readers “Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life.” Cool. Mind Maintenance Reading 101. It’s full of good strategies like clarifying and upholding your values. If one of your values is “showing up for people,” then when a wedding invite arrives you’ll automatically RSVP yes without overthinking the schedule implications. Another tip is to establish rituals. If you have determined whenever you go to Trader Joe’s you’re going to put fresh flowers in your cart, you won’t obsess over the frivolity of the decision each time. (Hence the cutie-patootie cover art.)
Ultimately Don’t Overthink It is a wafer of self help book. It will be very useful for some, particularly people who have the privilege of functioning near the top of the hierarchy of needs. If you’re thinking about how you’re going to pay next month’s rent, you’re probably not overthinking what color to paint your walls nor thinking about how you need to read books to stop overthinking that. I also question if there’s enough here to warrant an actual book. A lengthy post on her blog might have sufficed. But you know what? If it wasn’t in book form I probably wouldn’t have read it. If you need a little Mind Maintenance, go ahead and read this too. At a mere 217 pages / 4.5 hours, there’s no need to overthink it.
Don’t Overthink It and Anne Bogel’s other books are currently available in both the ebook and audiobook formats on the Hoopla library app.
Blog: www.confettibookshelf.com
IG: @confettibookshelf
So yeah, Oprah. I know just what you mean about living your best life.
But I also know this is not normal behavior. The Great Paint Debacle was rock bottom for me, and I have to actively do things to not fall back into that type of overthinking. Outside of professional intervention, one of my key strategies is constantly listening to audiobooks. If I’m engaged in a story or text, I’m not obsessing over paint colors. Another is occasionally selecting self help books on the subjects of mental health and living a life of minimalism. Mind Maintenance Reading, I call it.
Which leads us to Anne Bogel’s 2020 release, Don’t Overthink It. Bogel is the creator of the super popular Modern Mrs. Darcy blog and What Should I Read Next? podcast. Her books are distributed by Christian publishers, but hopefully that won’t deter anyone. A Psalm or anecdote about her pastor really shouldn’t be alienating to those of other faiths.
The subtitle of her third book clearly states its objective to help readers “Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life.” Cool. Mind Maintenance Reading 101. It’s full of good strategies like clarifying and upholding your values. If one of your values is “showing up for people,” then when a wedding invite arrives you’ll automatically RSVP yes without overthinking the schedule implications. Another tip is to establish rituals. If you have determined whenever you go to Trader Joe’s you’re going to put fresh flowers in your cart, you won’t obsess over the frivolity of the decision each time. (Hence the cutie-patootie cover art.)
Ultimately Don’t Overthink It is a wafer of self help book. It will be very useful for some, particularly people who have the privilege of functioning near the top of the hierarchy of needs. If you’re thinking about how you’re going to pay next month’s rent, you’re probably not overthinking what color to paint your walls nor thinking about how you need to read books to stop overthinking that. I also question if there’s enough here to warrant an actual book. A lengthy post on her blog might have sufficed. But you know what? If it wasn’t in book form I probably wouldn’t have read it. If you need a little Mind Maintenance, go ahead and read this too. At a mere 217 pages / 4.5 hours, there’s no need to overthink it.
Don’t Overthink It and Anne Bogel’s other books are currently available in both the ebook and audiobook formats on the Hoopla library app.
Blog: www.confettibookshelf.com
IG: @confettibookshelf
May 4, 2020
Don’t Overthink It is a great reminder that overthinking is a waste of time and energy, and that this gradually wreaks havoc on us and our lives.
There are helpful takeaways here for major and minor overthinkers alike — Most people are likely to identify with at least one behavior described in the book. I found myself recognizing a few I am routinely guilty of engaging in, though it’s nice to know I’m not alone and with a little reframing, I can change my thought process. The book is written in a casual tone too, making its suggestions easy to digest.
This is a book where topics will resonate differently with various readers. For me, the most beneficial parts were the chapters on using your values to help clarify your objectives (often simplifying the decision making process), and creating more rituals to build into your daily routine. Alternatively, the chapter on splurging didn’t offer much new insight for me, as I have always been able to justify engaging in experiences/ events that seem interesting. As a perpetual planner, I also appreciated the reminder about building in schedule margins — Not just to plan for the bad, but to do it in preparation for positive, spontaneous opportunities that arise.
We can’t change everything in the world but Don’t Overthink It prompts us to get started on what we can impact by taking small steps in the direction we want to head.
There are helpful takeaways here for major and minor overthinkers alike — Most people are likely to identify with at least one behavior described in the book. I found myself recognizing a few I am routinely guilty of engaging in, though it’s nice to know I’m not alone and with a little reframing, I can change my thought process. The book is written in a casual tone too, making its suggestions easy to digest.
This is a book where topics will resonate differently with various readers. For me, the most beneficial parts were the chapters on using your values to help clarify your objectives (often simplifying the decision making process), and creating more rituals to build into your daily routine. Alternatively, the chapter on splurging didn’t offer much new insight for me, as I have always been able to justify engaging in experiences/ events that seem interesting. As a perpetual planner, I also appreciated the reminder about building in schedule margins — Not just to plan for the bad, but to do it in preparation for positive, spontaneous opportunities that arise.
We can’t change everything in the world but Don’t Overthink It prompts us to get started on what we can impact by taking small steps in the direction we want to head.
April 6, 2020
I was so happy when I finished this book.
Because I never have to read it again.
It was prototypical first world, shallow, self absorbed and silly (and not good silly).
If you are the type who spends an inordinate amount of time deciding if the LV or Gucci bag will send a better signal to the moms at the ultra exclusive preschool you are paying for with your inherited money, you'll love it. It's a great fit for shallow self absorbed girls who want to feel better about themselves without actually ditching shallow and self absorbed.
When the decision is about international travel and the mistakes include opening an eighty dollar bottle of wine, self realization is far away.
Because I never have to read it again.
It was prototypical first world, shallow, self absorbed and silly (and not good silly).
If you are the type who spends an inordinate amount of time deciding if the LV or Gucci bag will send a better signal to the moms at the ultra exclusive preschool you are paying for with your inherited money, you'll love it. It's a great fit for shallow self absorbed girls who want to feel better about themselves without actually ditching shallow and self absorbed.
When the decision is about international travel and the mistakes include opening an eighty dollar bottle of wine, self realization is far away.
June 1, 2020
I am an overthinker, I always have been. In my 23 years, I've developed strategies to combat my overthinking, and I think many overthinkers do this themselves too. I thought the premise of Anne's book was so interesting, maybe she'd have some insight in additional ways to stop overthinking! And she did, kind of. Except, this could have been a blog post or a series of blog posts. The questions she asked at the end of each chapter were thought provoking (but again, can be done in a blog post). Then, there were the repetitious stories. By halfway through, I was so sick of "I'm an overthinker, here's an example of me overthinking and how I handled that" and when she didn't have an example for her overthinking - she shared how her friends overthink. We didn't need that many stories, and we didn't need that many chapters. The book felt like was covering the same concepts over and over again, and just talking about herself, and AGAIN this could have been a "here's xx steps to stop overthinking, and some questions to really get you thinking about your overthinking patterns and how to overcome them". I do not recommend this book, unless you are truly STUCK in an overthinking pattern and want some tools to get out of it (and then just skim it - or google and see if someone has just made a list).
January 7, 2020
I was lucky enough to receive my ARC in person at the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club Reading Retreat last September. Where I actually said, "I don't really think I'm much of an over thinker, so this should be interesting." Oh, sweet deluded Kari. You were so very wrong. You do overthink.
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Anne provides real life examples of how overthinking impacts daily life. She uses everyday situations that were easy for me to identify with. On more than one occasion I said "Oh- that's totally me. Yep - I do that." But beyond simply identifying how over analysis can suck the joy out of my life, she provided simple, applicable solutions to help improve it.
I read this book a couple of weeks ago and I find myself going back to it on a nearly daily basis. It is full of highlights and marginalia which is a rarity for me. It's a refreshing guide that helps affirm that while overthinking may be natural, the inevitable stress that comes with it doesn't have to be.
There are some incredible pre-release bonuses available at modernmrsdarcy.com I encourage you to pre-order this one. For you and the other overthinkers in your life.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Anne provides real life examples of how overthinking impacts daily life. She uses everyday situations that were easy for me to identify with. On more than one occasion I said "Oh- that's totally me. Yep - I do that." But beyond simply identifying how over analysis can suck the joy out of my life, she provided simple, applicable solutions to help improve it.
I read this book a couple of weeks ago and I find myself going back to it on a nearly daily basis. It is full of highlights and marginalia which is a rarity for me. It's a refreshing guide that helps affirm that while overthinking may be natural, the inevitable stress that comes with it doesn't have to be.
There are some incredible pre-release bonuses available at modernmrsdarcy.com I encourage you to pre-order this one. For you and the other overthinkers in your life.
November 12, 2020
Full disclosure: I only read about 56% of this book and then I just couldn't do it any more.
I am going to sound super snarky and I don't like that but this is really the only way I can think of describing why I don't like this book. I can see this book appealing to women who have problems like, "Oh no! We have an extra 18 hours of time in New York. What shall we do?" Or "Oops we opened an 80 dollar bottle of wine by accident!" Yes, these were both in the book.
I just didn't feel like this transferred over to my life. There was too little concrete info and too many anecdotes. All I could think was how I wish I had her problems to overthink.
I am going to sound super snarky and I don't like that but this is really the only way I can think of describing why I don't like this book. I can see this book appealing to women who have problems like, "Oh no! We have an extra 18 hours of time in New York. What shall we do?" Or "Oops we opened an 80 dollar bottle of wine by accident!" Yes, these were both in the book.
I just didn't feel like this transferred over to my life. There was too little concrete info and too many anecdotes. All I could think was how I wish I had her problems to overthink.
March 1, 2020
Did I overthink when I should finish this book so that reading the galley didn't count AGAINST my goal to read all black authors in February? Yes, yes I did. But mostly, I'm not an overthinker. So, this book ended up being quite a bit of a revelation to me. Like "wow, I had no idea people struggled this hard with this!" That being said, if you think you might be an overthinker, you'll find lots of great info and actionable tips in here!
As an Anne Bogel fangirl, I was thrilled to be part of the launch team and to receive a galley for this book in order to review it! If you grab a copy before Tuesday, the pre order bonuses are MONEY. Go get you one!
As an Anne Bogel fangirl, I was thrilled to be part of the launch team and to receive a galley for this book in order to review it! If you grab a copy before Tuesday, the pre order bonuses are MONEY. Go get you one!
March 12, 2020
I just really enjoyed reading this - delightful and practical.
July 13, 2020
There are some good advices and observations, but most of the time nothing you don't know, if you are older than 22.
December 7, 2019
So, this book post is crooked, I have two straight up and down book photos consecutively on IG, and I don’t think I captured the beautiful pink book cover just right...but I’m not going to overthink it! Honestly, I have never been a big fan of the art of tidying up type books, but this is different and I loved it. Here is a useful tool with a lot of great advice on how we can overcome daily “analysis paralysis” over decision-making and how to actually make our lives better. I don’t need a perfectly clean house for a happier life; I just need to be happy with my life and not worry about everything being perfect. Most of the information reminds readers how to live daily lives by simplifying our thoughts, words, and deeds. As my mom used to say, “What’s the worst that can happen?” Well, this book really goes in deeper and I appreciate, so very much, strong sage advice. Don’t Overthink It comes out early spring 2020 and I challenge you to buy it. I’ll be keeping it by my desk to pick up and re-read the highlighted sections when I’m starting to melt down. I honestly think this is the best book Anne has written to date. I acknowledge that this book was a free ARC but my opinions are unbiased and always my own. Bravo on a job well done or is that done well? Don’t care. Read it❗️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @annebogel #mmd #mmdbookclub #annebogel #dontoverthinkit #lindaleereads2019 #gorgeouscover #pink #book #bookstagram #booklover #selfhelp #selfhelpbooks #advice #bookworm #booknerd #read #readersofinstagram #reading
IG: @bookbimbo
IG: @bookbimbo
November 29, 2020
“every minute we spend overthinking is a minute not spent on the things that matter.”
As an overthinker this book gave me the peace of mind i was looking for I totally LOVED ittttt
The way the author was telling her own struggles with overthinking was just amazing i felt like I was talking with a close friend.
What kind of person do I want to be? What kind of world do I want to live in?
I love to think of answers to such questions and this book made me think alot about them (ofc healthy thinking not overthinking :D )
“when you spend more time feeling grateful, you waste less time overthinking.”
May all of us be able to put overthinking aside and enjoy our lives alittle more :)
As an overthinker this book gave me the peace of mind i was looking for I totally LOVED ittttt
The way the author was telling her own struggles with overthinking was just amazing i felt like I was talking with a close friend.
What kind of person do I want to be? What kind of world do I want to live in?
I love to think of answers to such questions and this book made me think alot about them (ofc healthy thinking not overthinking :D )
“when you spend more time feeling grateful, you waste less time overthinking.”
May all of us be able to put overthinking aside and enjoy our lives alittle more :)
March 10, 2020
Didn’t expect this to be this short, nothing special.
March 22, 2020
After weeks of ignoring promotions for this new release -- because I am, after all, a decisive, resolution-oriented, swift-action-taking person -- imagine my surprise when I caught myself losing two hours of my life shopping for just the right birthday card then belaboring my decision all the way to the post office. I drove right home and ordered this.
With each new chapter, I SWORE the contents wouldn't pertain, then I'd get hit between the eyeballs. It's no exaggeration when reviews call this "life changing." The chapters effectively end with a short worksheet that has already compelled REAL CHANGE in my daily existence that I never saw coming. This is my personal growth guidebook for the near future.
With each new chapter, I SWORE the contents wouldn't pertain, then I'd get hit between the eyeballs. It's no exaggeration when reviews call this "life changing." The chapters effectively end with a short worksheet that has already compelled REAL CHANGE in my daily existence that I never saw coming. This is my personal growth guidebook for the near future.
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January 19, 2020I'm not rating or reviewing this because 1) I beta read it 2) the author is a client and 3) she's one of my dearest friends and I'm 100% biased. But I will say this: I'm not an overthinker but I think this could be a valuable, practical resource for anyone who does struggle with this.
April 13, 2020
4.5 stars
This book contains a lot of information and wisdom I've read in other personal development books over the years, but in a short and succinct package. It talks about all the silly things we get hung up on a daily basis and how to shift your mindset so you don't waste time worrying about things that don't really matter.
There are a few stories that made me roll my eyes because they were kind of privileged people problems. For example, the author needed new sheets and was overwhelmed by the choices and has to go to her interior designer for help. My first thought was that's such a ridiculous problem to have, but the point was to go to people when you need help and maybe it will be relatable to readers who really struggle when faced with too many choices.
Other than that it's a good book and I recommend it.
I listened to the audiobook which is just over 4 hours so you can easily get through it in a day or two. I enjoyed the book enough that I want to take the time to read it again so I'm waitlisted for the libraries ebook.
This book contains a lot of information and wisdom I've read in other personal development books over the years, but in a short and succinct package. It talks about all the silly things we get hung up on a daily basis and how to shift your mindset so you don't waste time worrying about things that don't really matter.
There are a few stories that made me roll my eyes because they were kind of privileged people problems. For example, the author needed new sheets and was overwhelmed by the choices and has to go to her interior designer for help. My first thought was that's such a ridiculous problem to have, but the point was to go to people when you need help and maybe it will be relatable to readers who really struggle when faced with too many choices.
Other than that it's a good book and I recommend it.
I listened to the audiobook which is just over 4 hours so you can easily get through it in a day or two. I enjoyed the book enough that I want to take the time to read it again so I'm waitlisted for the libraries ebook.
February 5, 2022
I was visiting my sister in Alabama and noticed this on her nightstand. Being a fan of Anne Bogel's blog/podcast and her book I'd Rather Be Reading, I picked it up on a whim, because I didn't see myself as an overthinker, you see. Much to my surprise (or chagrin) I discovered I do have overthinker traits! I enjoyed Anne's personal stories and tips; finished in two days!
March 30, 2020
If you’re prone to anxiety, overanalyzing, or both (raising my hand here), then Don’t Overthink It is for you. With an approach that’s as forgiving as it is practical, Bogel tackles everyday energy-sappers like decision fatigue, technology overload, and self-sabotage disguised as data collection. Bogel’s advice on building in margin for the unexpected feels especially on-point right now—I found myself picking the book back up this week to reread the section on building in wiggle room for life’s what-ifs (hello, coronavirus) instead of operating at 100% capacity, as we’re so often advised to do. Highly recommended.
January 20, 2021
Not As Well-Thought Out as I Had Hoped
To me, this book needed more editing, more shout outs to beneficial organizations and research studies, and the author selecting better personal experiences with her audience.
At times, it seemed to me that her chosen audience for the book was too vague, which made it not very useful for either men or women, parents or non-parents, religious or non-religious, book worm or not. If she had now carefully considered who she was writing the book for (possibly women like her) I think she could have really gained more traction in her ideas by sharing about being a female business owner with children.
To me, this book needed more editing, more shout outs to beneficial organizations and research studies, and the author selecting better personal experiences with her audience.
At times, it seemed to me that her chosen audience for the book was too vague, which made it not very useful for either men or women, parents or non-parents, religious or non-religious, book worm or not. If she had now carefully considered who she was writing the book for (possibly women like her) I think she could have really gained more traction in her ideas by sharing about being a female business owner with children.
July 1, 2020
This book is written is such a simple way to make sure that you don’t..well overthink! The concepts are simple and easy to implement in your daily life. Small steps that make a bit difference. I loved the author’s use of her own examples to demonstrates concepts of successes and failures! Don’t overthink it...and read the book! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shelved as 'dnf-ed'
January 2, 2023DNF at 45%.
I was really tempted to cut it loose right at the beginning when she quoted a Bible proverb. But I decided to give it a shot, hoping I would be proved to have worried for no reason. Had she also mentioned she's a blogger, then I would have surely pulled the plug, but she didn't mention that and I hadn't looked it up.
The main thing about this book is that it only has any value for wealthy, white, American suburbanites. I was trying to brave out the plethora of First World Problems examples, when she talked about berating herself for microwaving a melon because she has mistaken it for squash and that was it for me.
I've been avoiding taking action for years but being an impulsive reader seems to be giving me quite a bit of trouble. A decade ago this wasn't such a big deal because even when I was picking random books, more often than not it would turn out to be at least a 3-star book. But I have to start doing extensive research on authors because it really seems nowadays they publish just about anyone.
I mean, who microwaves a melon? And while I was tempted to berate myself further and wallow in my misfortune, that wouldn’t have done anyone any good, especially me.I'm being generous with 2 stars because I didn't do my due diligence and didn't check if the person who wrote this has any qualifications to write on the topic. Spoiler alert, she doesn't.
I was really tempted to cut it loose right at the beginning when she quoted a Bible proverb. But I decided to give it a shot, hoping I would be proved to have worried for no reason. Had she also mentioned she's a blogger, then I would have surely pulled the plug, but she didn't mention that and I hadn't looked it up.
The main thing about this book is that it only has any value for wealthy, white, American suburbanites. I was trying to brave out the plethora of First World Problems examples, when she talked about berating herself for microwaving a melon because she has mistaken it for squash and that was it for me.
I've been avoiding taking action for years but being an impulsive reader seems to be giving me quite a bit of trouble. A decade ago this wasn't such a big deal because even when I was picking random books, more often than not it would turn out to be at least a 3-star book. But I have to start doing extensive research on authors because it really seems nowadays they publish just about anyone.
March 3, 2020
(Thanks to NetGalley and Baker Books for providing an ARC of this book.)
Analysis paralysis. Rumination. Perfectionism. How do we fight these and so many other types of overthinking? Values-based decision making. Completing the cycle. Simple abundance.
Fans of Anne Bogel, her blog (Modern Mrs. Darcy), and her podcast (What Should I Read Next) will be familiar with Anne's skill for bringing universal subjects to an intimate level and helping us see them with fresh eyes. She turns her talent to the subject of chronic over-thinking in her new book, Don't Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life.
'Life changing' is an over-used term lately. But it's accurate for this book. Reading it has changed my life for the better. The thoughts, ideas, and processes that Anne shares in the book aren't highly original; we've heard them before, seen them elsewhere. The genius of the book is that she's brought them all together in one place and presented them in such an engaging manner. The information is both practical and practicable.
The chapter on values-based decisions, titled Decide What Matters, has caused a major shift in the way I live my life because I did, after a lot of reflection, decide what matters most to me. This now informs all my choices, though it takes time for it to become automatic. And the chapter on limiting your options to save your sanity, Limit Yourself to Free Yourself, helped me see why having all the options is not always a good thing. “Each small decision requires only a bit of brain power, but the cumulative effect is large.”
You may not think you’re an Overthinker. You may not regularly be an Overthinker. But the lessons in this book are helpful whether you face chronic decision-making problems or are just going through a season of decision-overload.
Analysis paralysis. Rumination. Perfectionism. How do we fight these and so many other types of overthinking? Values-based decision making. Completing the cycle. Simple abundance.
Fans of Anne Bogel, her blog (Modern Mrs. Darcy), and her podcast (What Should I Read Next) will be familiar with Anne's skill for bringing universal subjects to an intimate level and helping us see them with fresh eyes. She turns her talent to the subject of chronic over-thinking in her new book, Don't Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life.
'Life changing' is an over-used term lately. But it's accurate for this book. Reading it has changed my life for the better. The thoughts, ideas, and processes that Anne shares in the book aren't highly original; we've heard them before, seen them elsewhere. The genius of the book is that she's brought them all together in one place and presented them in such an engaging manner. The information is both practical and practicable.
The chapter on values-based decisions, titled Decide What Matters, has caused a major shift in the way I live my life because I did, after a lot of reflection, decide what matters most to me. This now informs all my choices, though it takes time for it to become automatic. And the chapter on limiting your options to save your sanity, Limit Yourself to Free Yourself, helped me see why having all the options is not always a good thing. “Each small decision requires only a bit of brain power, but the cumulative effect is large.”
You may not think you’re an Overthinker. You may not regularly be an Overthinker. But the lessons in this book are helpful whether you face chronic decision-making problems or are just going through a season of decision-overload.
February 19, 2020
I preordered this book, but I’m also so thankful to Baker Books for the early eARC of Don’t Overthink It. I truly think this book will be life changing for me.
I have been an over-thinker my entire life, worried about how others perceived me and whether or not I was doing the right things. When I saw that Anne was writing a book about overthinking, I knew it was a book I needed to read!
Throughout the book Anne discusses reasons why we overthink and she includes actionable strategies to help get a handle on overthinking. The writing made me feel like I was having coffee with a friend, a friend with great advice and experience!
This book is perfect for anyone who has ever been stuck in a cycle of rumination or analysis paralysis - I wholeheartedly recommend it! I’m even getting a copy for my high school classroom!
I have been an over-thinker my entire life, worried about how others perceived me and whether or not I was doing the right things. When I saw that Anne was writing a book about overthinking, I knew it was a book I needed to read!
Throughout the book Anne discusses reasons why we overthink and she includes actionable strategies to help get a handle on overthinking. The writing made me feel like I was having coffee with a friend, a friend with great advice and experience!
This book is perfect for anyone who has ever been stuck in a cycle of rumination or analysis paralysis - I wholeheartedly recommend it! I’m even getting a copy for my high school classroom!
February 17, 2020
This is one of those books that I feel was written just for me. And not only that, it feels like I'm having a conversation with a good girlfriend when I'm reading it. Anne's writing style is calm, clear and personal, all while providing information and anecdotes that are applicable to so many situations. We learn what overthinking really is and how it manifests in our lives, and get practical steps for how to handle it. I found myself in many of the pages of this book, thinking "Oh yes, I do that!" The tools Anne provides are already making a difference in my life, and I can't wait to share this book with friends. And now I can finally stop worrying that I should apologize to my prom date for leaving him to hang out with friends 30+ years ago :)
March 24, 2020
This is like sitting with your therapist for several hours, after you’ve already done the gross work of mucking through your emotions, and you’ve moved on to the practical and helpful part of practicing strategies to cope with your anxiety and indecision and constant self-doubt. There’s no hokey self help messages here, just simple, practical, and completely applicable strategies to help you make confident decisions and move on.
I don’t think of myself as a chronic overthinker, but when my anxiety spikes it’s easy to let the little things swell into mountainous hurdles. Bogel’s book seems especially relevant with the covid-19 fears, but this book will get frequent reference when I find myself spiraling into doubt and incessant questioning.
I don’t think of myself as a chronic overthinker, but when my anxiety spikes it’s easy to let the little things swell into mountainous hurdles. Bogel’s book seems especially relevant with the covid-19 fears, but this book will get frequent reference when I find myself spiraling into doubt and incessant questioning.
April 27, 2020
Nothing new or earth-shattering, per se, but I love Anne Bogel. She would have to derail totally for me not to love her. 🤣
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March 18, 2020There are some really practical approaches to quell overthinking, but if there's anything I learned while reading this, it's that other people's overthinking makes my anxiety terrible. I couldn't relate to any of these overthinking scenarios (turns out I don't overthink), but I sure did feel completely anxious listening to them. Which isn't a criticism of the book but more an interesting reading observation.
March 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! Very helpful. The advice contained may be obvious to some, but it was really useful for me.
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