How to Stop Thinking and Start Acting: Practical Steps for Overcoming Procrastination

By Steve Dez •  Updated: 10/16/23 •  13 min read

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Struggling with procrastination and overthinking? Wondering how to stop thinking and start acting? Thankfully, there are numerous practical strategies you can implement to overcome this.

Firstly, it’s essential to remember that people are not as interested in your actions as you might believe; most people are too focused on their own lives to be overly concerned with yours. This can help alleviate some of the anxiety related to decision-making and fear of judgment.

Secondly, step out of self-created drama and take responsibility for your choices. This means accepting the consequences of your actions and breaking free from excuses. It’s all about proactive decision-making.

Thirdly, practice sitting in silence where you can simply observe your thoughts without judgment or attachment. This process brings clarity on what needs to be done.

Another strategy is practicing mindfulness which entails focusing on the present moment, being fully aware of surroundings while letting

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how to stop thinking and start acting

Remind Yourself that Others Are Not as Interested in You as You Think

Let’s make one thing clear: overcoming procrastination doesn’t happen overnight. However, one effective strategy in the journey of how to stop thinking and start acting is reminding yourself that others are not as interested in you as you might think. We often worry about what other people will think of our actions, decisions, or mistakes. But the reality is, most are too consumed with their own lives to give yours much thought. It’s not about being popular or a Hollywood actor; it can provide a sense of relief to realize that most people rarely scrutinize your every move.

[Let go of your fear of judgment and replace it with the confidence to take decisive action.]

Step Out of Self-Created Drama and Take Responsibility for Your Choices

In any case, part of learning how to stop thinking and start acting involves stepping out from self-created drama. Yes, we’ve all played the victim in our own stories at some point, but this mindset only fuels procrastination and hinders action. Embrace an action-oriented mindset; accept personal accountability for your actions and consequences instead.

Sit in Silence and Observe Thoughts for Perspective

All things considered, sitting silently may seem counterintuitive when the goal is taking more action. But hear me out: giving yourself space to let thoughts flow gives you the chance to differentiate productive thoughts from mere overthinking.

Practice Mindfulness to Reduce Overthinking

Mindfulness has been shown as an effective practice to reduce overthinking and increase self-discipline. Now that I think about it, being fully aware of the present moment and your surroundings allows you to let go of excessive thinking and focus on what truly matters: action.

Learn New Skills Neutrally and Apply Them in Different Situations

Whether its learning lines for acting or mastering new technological skills, approaching them neutrally can help break the analysis paralysis cycle. You see, getting fixated on one particular way of doing things often leads to overthinking. Instead, adopt a flexible mindset and encourage direct action.

Seek Help When Feeling Stuck or Overwhelmed

No one is an island, and there’s no shame in asking for help when you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed with self-doubt. In fact, seeking guidance from mentors, friends or professionals can provide necessary insight.

Make Considered Decisions but Give Yourself Permission to Act

Careful consideration before making decisions prevents impulsive actions but once these deliberations have been made; it’s crucial that you give yourself permission to act.

Move Towards Well-defined Actions and Maintain Efficient Time Management

Moving towards well-defined actions aids in breaking down tasks into manageable steps. This coupled with efficient time management skills helps to create an action-oriented mindset.

Journal Thoughts to Cultivate Balance Between Thinking and Action

To wrap it up, journaling thoughts may help you strike the right balance between thought processing and decisive action-taking. Writing down your worries allows you to let go of them more easily, creating space for effective decision-making.

how to stop thinking and start acting

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If you have an interest in the acting field, and you’re asking yourself “How do I start an acting career?“, there is no better time than now to stop overthinking and kickstart your journey. Steps to get into acting, provides a comprehensive guide to help you begin this exciting journey. It’s understandable that uncertainties may leave you wondering if it’s too late for you.

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My Personal Take about How to Stop Thinking and Start Acting

Hey there, it’s me, Steve Dez, your friendly expert in all things Hollywood acting and actor marketing.

You see, I’ve been immersing myself in this world for years now, learning the ins and outs of what it takes to succeed on the glittering stage that is Tinseltown.

I’ve got a new blog post out titled “How to Stop Thinking and Start Acting: Practical Steps for Overcoming Procrastination“. In it, I share some priceless insights on how to stop thinking and start acting. Because let’s be real – it’s easy to get lost in the maze of one’s thoughts when you’re trying to break into such a competitive field.

But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way. You can conquer those fears, doubts and insecurities that are holding you back. All things considered, seizing opportunities is the gamechanger for anyone aspiring to become a star in Hollywood.

In my blog post:

Believe me when I say this: It’s completely achievable! Now that I think about it, every great actor started where you are right now. So why shouldn’t your story unfold just like theirs did?

In any case, always remember: Your journey towards stardom starts with believing in yourself and taking action today! Talk soon!.

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Before you go…

Takeaway 1: Others aren’t as interested in you as you might think

When it comes to taking action, it’s easy to get caught up in worrying about what others will think of us. But guess what? Most people are too busy with their own lives to pay much attention to ours. So, instead of getting wrapped up in anxiety about making decisions or taking action, remind yourself that others aren’t as interested in you as you might think. This realization can alleviate some of the pressure and give you the freedom to go after what you want without constantly worrying about judgment from others.



Takeaway 2: Step out of the self-created drama and take responsibility

We all have a tendency at times to create unnecessary drama in our lives. We start overthinking every little detail and blaming external factors for our lack of action. But here’s the thing – if we want to stop thinking and start acting, we need to step out of that self-created drama and take responsibility for our choices. By acknowledging that we have control over our actions and outcomes, we empower ourselves to make decisions confidently and move forward with purpose.



Takeaway 3: Practice mindfulness and break the cycle

If you find yourself trapped in a cycle of overthinking, practicing mindfulness can be incredibly beneficial. Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment and observing your thoughts without judgment. Take a few minutes each day to sit in silence, let your thoughts flow endlessly, and gain perspective on what truly matters. By focusing on the present moment instead of getting lost in excessive thought, you can break free from overthinking and take decisive action.

Looking to apply the principles of stopping thinking and starting acting? Consider checking out some of the top picks for best acting classes, where these ideas are actively put into practice.

Feeling a little hesitant? Remember, it’s all about moving from thought to action – and what better place to do than in one of the best acting classes, offering you an environment where you can safely learn and grow.

Determined to break free from overthinking but constrained by your busy schedule or location? There’s no need for limitations when you can enroll in one of the leading best acting online classes, enabling you to apply those critical ‘stop thinking, start acting’ strategies from anywhere at any time.

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Steve Dez

I am the founder of Dezperate Actor® and I have been in the acting and entertainment industry since 2011. Since then, my mission is to make acting and breaking into Hollywood easy for everyone. And each year, I continue to help more people with acting tips, resources, coaching and online courses.

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