Overcoming Analysis Paralysis: My Instagram Handle Nightmare

As a Clinical Supervisor for Social Workers and Psychotherapists, I've seen many talented therapists embark on their private practice journey, only to find themselves stuck in a cycle of overthinking and analysis paralysis.

However, as a recovering perfectionist and an over thinking extraordinaire, I am also guilty of getting trapped in the analysis paralysis cycle!

For me, the latest example of this is choosing my Instagram handle!

Having a social media presence on Instagram is something that I have been working towards over the last year. I have taken some amazing Instagram-how-to workshops to increase my knowledge of how to actually use it; but I found the most challenging work has been actually getting over my mindset blocks to start posting in the first place.

I was stuck overthinking my Instagram handle for months! This one block stopped me from making any progress at all! I spent hours, testing out new handles, reverting to the original, coming up with a new one, then going back – I was stuck going around in circles.

It felt like one of the most important business decisions that I needed to get “right” before I could even start putting myself out there!

But I was wrong!! At the end of the day though, it really does not matter what my handle is, and it is so easily changed in future.

So, how did I finally move past this?

1. Identify when you are “procrasta-branding”.

Set yourself a time limit and a deadline to make a decision (any decision) and then stop and leave it once the timer goes off.

2. Embrace Imperfect Action.

Remind yourself of the big picture, something is better than nothing – progress is better than perfection. It is not a permanent decision. It is better to start getting your content out there, and then change your handle later if you want, than to stop you from getting started in the first place.

3. Remember to be compassionate to yourself.

Grad school did not prepare me, nor did working as a Social Worker for an agency or the school board, to learn marketing and social media.

Heck, Instagram wasn’t even around when I was in Grad School!

Learn as you go and forgive any novice mistakes, every makes them. Forgive, learn and let go!

Don’t let analysis paralysis derail your private practice dreams. By implementing these strategies, you can move past overthinking and into action. Remember, everyone you see on social media was a novice at some point.

Trust that it will get easier, the more you do it, the easier it will get. You’re a great therapist – what would you tell a friend or client.

Are you ready to take your own advice?

This stuff is hard – believe me I know! There is no shame in asking for help. If you want to overcome your self-doubt, fears and mindset blocks, book a free 15 minute consult to learn how I can help you get started!