From decision-paralysis to kicking goals as a workshop facilitator

Insights into the 3 common forms of overthinking and how to conquer them.

I remember when I first ventured from one-on-one coaching into the world of workshop facilitation. The transition felt daunting, and I often found myself second-guessing every step I took. I’d reflect on my past coaching sessions, worry about meeting new expectations and a room full of workshop participants, and overanalyse every detail. Sound familiar? If you’re a coach considering or just beginning to facilitate workshops, you may have encountered similar feelings – excitement for a new chapter to begin, and paralysis due to overthinking.

Do not wait; the time will never be ‘just right.’
Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command.
Napoleon Hill

This phenomenon of overthinking is pronounced in those with a high C-style in the DISC behaviour profile - people who are conscientious, process and detail oriented, and prone to perfectionism. While these qualities can be assets, they can also lead to overthinking, creating stress and hindering decision-making. Let’s explore the 3 common forms of overthinking – ‘reflection looping’, ‘expectation overload’, and ‘analysis paralysis’. Each of these can be a barrier to your growth as a workshop facilitator, but with the right strategies, you can overcome them and thrive in your new role.

Barrier 1: Reflection looping [Stuck in the past]

Reflection looping involves getting caught in a cycle of dwelling on past events, particularly negative ones. For coaches-turned-facilitators, this might look like fixating on negative feedback or replaying a moment when you felt your facilitation could have been smoother. It can also manifests as frequent references to past failures, and excessive caution to avoid mistakes. While learning from the past is essential, staying stuck there can cloud your confidence.

How to overcome this overthinking barrier:

Scheduled reflection: Designate a specific time each day or week to reflect on past events. For example, set aside 15 minutes at the end of the day to review what went well and what could be improved. This practice helps compartmentalise concerns, preventing them from dominating your thoughts throughout the day (and even night) and lets you focus more effectively on future workshops.

Actionable insights: Instead of fixating on mistakes, focus on what can be learned and how to apply those lessons moving forward. For example, if a presentation didn’t go as planned, identify no more than 1 – 3 specific areas for improvement and create a plan to address them in future facilitations. Keep the focus on progression, not perfection.

Visualisation technique: Try visualising your future success to ‘release’ your worries. Picture yourself at the end of a successful workshop, receiving positive feedback, and feeling fulfilled. This simple mental exercise can help ease lingering doubts, allowing you to focus on the positive aspects of your efforts and potential success.

Barrier 2: Expectation overload [Anxiety about the future]

Moving from a one-on-one coaching environment to a group facilitation setting is a big change, often accompanied by high expectations you might place on yourself. When future scenarios start to feel overwhelming, and you find yourself planning for every possible ‘what if,’ it can become a source of significant stress. Expectation overload can also be present when you find it difficult to celebrate achievements, or when you are restless due to incomplete tasks.

How to overcome this overthinking barrier:

Gain perspective: Mentally step back and view your current situation from a broader perspective. Imagine watching your upcoming workshop from a bird’s-eye view. This distancing helps in recognising that most challenges aren’t as overwhelming as they seem in the moment and can reduce anxiety about future scenarios.

Selective ignorance: Identify and reduce exposure to unnecessary information or stressors. This might mean limiting the amount of time you spend researching or structuring each workshop. Remember, your role is to deliver value and connect with participants, not to predict every outcome.

Celebrate milestones: Make a conscious effort to acknowledge and celebrate small achievements. Keep a ‘success journal’ to acknowledge progress and build momentum. This will help you to focus on what’s working instead of worrying about future challenges.

Barrier 3: Analysis paralysis [Drowning in details]

As coaches, we often want to get every detail right, but this tendency can lead to analysis paralysis when preparing for workshops. Overthinking minor decisions, such as choosing between different icebreakers, deciding on exact timing for each activity, creating perfectly formatted slides, or selecting what background music to choose for breaks, can lead to procrastination and even eat into your confidence. Further signs for analysis paralysis are seeking constant validation from others, or showing difficulty in prioritising your tasks because each one seems of equal importance.

How to overcome this overthinking barrier:

Decision deadlines: Give yourself a specific timeframe to make each decision. For example, set aside just one day to decide on the venue or one week to plan the workshop outline. This approach ensures timely decisions, allowing you to move forward without getting stuck in endless considerations.

Limit options: Narrow down your choices to a few viable options to simplify the decision-making process. If you’re deciding on a workshop topic, choose from three key areas rather than brainstorming a dozen options. Limiting options helps streamline the planning process and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed.

Embrace ‘good enough’: Aim for ‘good enough’ rather than perfect. Understand that seeking perfection can cause delays and missed opportunities. Making a timely decision is usually more valuable than waiting for an ideal solution that may not exist.

The transition from coach to facilitator is a journey, and overthinking is just one of the bumps along the way. If you’ve faced these forms of overthinking, know that you’re not alone. Many facilitators feel self-doubt, fear of failure, and uncertainty. Remember that many new facilitators experience moments of overthinking, and that addressing and overcoming them is crucial for personal wellbeing and the success of your workshop facilitation business.

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase,
just take the first step.”
Martin Luther King Jr.

Now that you’re equipped with these tools, apply them in your next workshop or planning session. Recognise overthinking patterns as they arise and implement these strategies to break the cycle. You’ve got the skills to lead confidently, and with each step, you’ll be paving the way to becoming a more impactful facilitator. Shift from a mindset of perfectionism to one of progress.

Start small, experiment with these techniques, and watch as they transform your journey.

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