Let’s talk about overthinking—because it’s a performance killer.

When you’re learning or practicing, that’s the time to analyze, to study, to try different possibilities and understand how and why they sound different. But when it’s time to *do the work*, that’s when you have to completely forget about everything and just do. Don’t think, do.

I find that the more i “need this to sound amazing” the harder it is to actually do my work.

A book that helped me in my journey was "Effortless Mastery". It emphasizes the idea that all the thinking should be done during practice hours. Where you can intentionally study and develop techniques and new ideas. But when you’re performing and doing the thing all of that noise needs to go in order to achieve that flow state.

The more you practice and master your craft, the less you need to think because it’s already a part of you.

Real flow only happens when you let go of the mental noise.

Another aspect the book talks about and that is crucial for not overthinking is confidence. Affirmations can help engrain in your subconscious the idea that you are incredible at what you do and you are the right person for the job. (I’ve never seen a confident person who believes in themselves be paralyzed by overthinking.)

For me, 40 to 60% of mastering is intuitive. I’m not calculating—I’m just following the vision I have for the song. Once it’s close, *then* I bring in the technical side to fine-tune. But if I catch myself overthinking—pushing too hard, doubting everything—I delete what i’ve just done. I take a short walk, clear my head, then come back fresh.

No pressure. No need to impress. Just letting the music happen.