I recently read something that stuck with me: the mind is not reliable. We can’t accept every thought in our head as fact. This got me thinking about the stories we tell ourselves—those narratives that shape our decisions, fears, and aspirations. Are they real, or are they just fabrications of our minds?

The Danger of Overthinking the Future

It’s often said that living in the present is the key to appreciating what we have. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t think about the future or set goals—of course, we should. But obsessing over every possible outcome, worrying about what might happen, is a waste of energy. Why? Because the future is unpredictable. It’s influenced by countless variables, many of which are beyond our control.

Your brain spends precious calories imagining scenarios that haven’t happened yet and may never happen. These “what if” scenarios are often influenced by 500 other factors you can’t predict. So why dwell on them? Having a goal or vision is not bad, but overanalyzing every little step you take toward that vision—worrying, ruminating, and losing sleep over it—is pointless.

As the saying goes, “Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair—it gives you something to do, but it never gets you anywhere.” Instead of fixating on the “what ifs,” focus on taking small, actionable steps toward your goals. Having a vision is healthy, but overanalyzing every detail can paralyze you.

The Unreliable Mind

The mind is a fascinating tool, but it’s not infallible. It’s great at keeping us safe in immediate danger—like avoiding a speeding car while crossing the street—but it’s terrible at predicting the future. Can your mind accurately foresee what will happen if you take that next big step in your career, write that vulnerable blog post, or launch that passion project? Probably not.

I’ve heard countless stories of people who took leaps of faith, ignored their inner doubts, and achieved incredible things. Sometimes, you just have to tell that nagging inner voice to shut the fuck up and go for it. After all, no human brain would ever rationalize heli-skiing or cliff diving as “safe” activities, yet people do them all the time. Why? Because the thrill and the experience outweigh the fear.

The brain’s primary job is to keep you safe—to protect your body so you can pass on your genes and share your wisdom. That’s evolution at work. But when it comes to predicting the future or making bold decisions, the brain isn’t always your best ally.

The Feeling Brain vs. the Thinking Brain

Mark Manson’s concept of the Feeling Brain and the Thinking Brain really resonated with me. The Feeling Brain is driven by emotions, cravings, and impulses. It’s the part of us that seeks instant gratification and can warp reality to fit its desires. The Thinking Brain, on the other hand, is logical, rational, and capable of critical thought. But when the Feeling Brain takes over, it can turn your mind into what Manson calls a Clown Car—a chaotic, self-serving mess that prioritizes short-term pleasure over long-term growth.

The Clown Car mind is dangerous. It leads to addiction, narcissism, and compulsive behavior. It’s easily manipulated by anyone or anything that makes it feel good—whether that’s a cult leader, a toxic relationship, or an unhealthy habit. The key is to strengthen your Thinking Brain so it can keep the Feeling Brain in check. Don’t let your mind become a Clown Car. Stay grounded in reality, question your impulses, and make decisions based on logic and values, not just emotions.

I love this analogy because clowns can be scary to some, but to others, they symbolize fun and entertainment. However, like a Clown Car, they bring no real purpose or long-term value. The same goes for the Feeling Brain—it might feel good in the moment, but it won’t lead you to meaningful growth.

What Is Reliable? Action.

If the mind isn’t reliable, what is? Action. Consistent, intentional action. Let’s take exercise as an example. Anyone who’s ever stuck to a fitness routine knows the power of small, incremental progress. At first, it’s hard. You feel weak, unmotivated, and maybe even a little silly. But over time, those little efforts add up. You start noticing changes—not just in your body, but in your strength, resilience, and confidence.

Think about Arnold Schwarzenegger. When he started, he was just a guy with a funny accent and a dream. But through persistence and action, he became one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. Or consider Bruce Lee—a broke martial artist who turned his passion into a legacy. These icons didn’t achieve greatness by overthinking; they took action.

Exercise is one of those things where if you keep doing it, it will amount to something. You just have to stick it out. Some days, you feel like that belly fat will never disappear or that you’ll never lift those 10-pound dumbbells. But then, one day, you notice a tiny glimmer of progress. For me, it was when I realized I could effortlessly move a 10-pound cast iron pan with one hand—something that used to require two hands. It was a small victory, but it reminded me that the time and effort I’d put into exercising were paying off. The same principle applies to other areas of life. You plant seeds today, and you might not see the results for weeks, months, or even years. But if you keep taking action, those seeds will grow.

Exercise also has a way of creeping up on you. You start noticing your strength and resilience in the weirdest places, and it creates a feedback loop that keeps you going. It’s not just about looking good in a bikini (though that can be a motivator for some)—it’s about the joy and pride that come from seeing progress.

Rewrite Your Stories

The stories we tell ourselves shape our reality. If you constantly tell yourself you’re not good enough, not smart enough, or not capable enough, you’ll start to believe it. But what if you told yourself better stories? What if you treated yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you offer to others?

I’ve realized how hard it can be to be good to ourselves. But it’s worth it. Imagine waking up every morning, looking in the mirror, and saying, “I’m capable. I’m strong. I’m enough.” When you start believing those stories, you start embodying them. You take action. You stop worrying about what everyone else is doing and focus on your own path.

The Magic of Small Steps

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to make massive, life-altering changes to see progress. It’s the small, consistent steps that add up over time. Do one thing today that’s slightly outside your comfort zone. Maybe it’s writing that email you’ve been putting off, going for a run, or reaching out to someone you admire. These small actions might seem insignificant, but they move the needle.

I recently had a client come back to me a year after we worked together on a project. They asked me to advise on their new strategy—something I never expected. It reminded me that the seeds we plant today can blossom in unexpected ways. That paper I wrote last June? It led to a new opportunity I couldn’t have predicted.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s the takeaway? Stop letting your mind control you. It’s not always reliable. Instead, focus on taking action—no matter how small. If you can move the needle from 65% to 66% today, you’re making progress. Most of us are living in the B+ range, and that’s okay. But if you want to reach that A+, you have to do something different.

What are you doing with your time? Are you letting your mind spin stories that hold you back, or are you taking steps—no matter how small—toward the life you want? Remember, the stories you tell yourself are just that—stories. You have the power to rewrite them. So, what’s your next move?