How logical loops keep you stuck
Back in school and university, I loved programming, informatics, and logic.
There was something deeply satisfying about drawing diagrams of different logical outcomes—seeing how everything connected in a structured, predictable way.
As a coach and someone who works with change management, I’ve noticed something fascinating: we apply the same logical patterns to our lives, often without realizing it.
Are You Stuck in a Thought Loop?
Think about how often we structure our reasoning like a conditional statement or a for-loop:
"If I get a new job, then I can finally feel confident."
"When I figure out my direction, then I’ll be ready to take action."
“Once I have more time/money/support, then I’ll start working on my goals."
“When I have taken XYZ course, then I will apply for the salary raise/new job/open my business.“
“I need to be 100% sure before I decide.”
“What if it doesn’t work out? Let me analyze it more.”
“Maybe I should wait for the right moment.”
Ever found yourself in any of these loops?
This kind of thinking feels logical. It gives us a sense of order and control. But here’s the catch: it often becomes a loop that keeps us stuck. The more we think, the less we act. The more we wait, the more we lose confidence in ourselves and self-sabotage istead.
Rewriting the Code: What If We Go First?
Here’s an important question: what if we’re deceiving ourselves?
What if…
Confidence comes AFTER taking the step, not before?
Clarity is created THROUGH action, not from overthinking?
Momentum starts when we decide to move, not when everything is perfect?
Instead of waiting for external conditions to change, what if we switched our state first? I write more on the topic of internal state and how to shift it in this blog post.
Exercise: Your Debugging Challenge
Take a moment and ask yourself:
Where am I running an “if-then” statement in my life?
What loop of overthinking am I stuck in?
What’s one small action I can take now—before I feel "ready"?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Hit reply and let me know: what’s one ‘if-then’ statement you’re challenging today?
Need help debugging and changing your inner “code“? Book a 30-minute free coaching me.