Have you ever found yourself standing in front of the fridge, wondering what to eat for dinner… and then 20 minutes later, still standing there, frozen in indecision? 

Or maybe it’s something bigger. A job change. A pivot in your business. The kind of decision that keeps you up at night spinning through every possible outcome. Sound familiar? You might be a Brainster. 

In the Gutsy Chick Quiz, the Brainster archetype is the analytical powerhouse—always thinking, researching, planning. It’s a superpower, until it turns into a full-blown spiral. As a recovering overthinker myself, I know this dance all too well. And in this post, I want to show you how I moved from analysis paralysis to powerful, intuitive action—and how you can, too. 

From NASA to Now: My Brainster Origin Story 

I wasn’t always a healer. My original career path? Mechanical and aerospace engineering. I worked on some of NASA’s most exciting programs, including Artemis (back when it was called Constellation). I was a subcontractor, embedded in the engineering hustle. 

Sounds impressive, right? It was. But it was also exhausting. The constant threat of job loss. The politics. The pressure. And my Brainster tendencies didn’t help. I analyzed every career move to death. I stayed stuck for years in a role that no longer served me because I couldn’t figure out the “perfect” way to leave. 

Meanwhile, my body was sending SOS signals. Fatigue. Stress. Burnout. My husband could see it. I could feel it. But I was too deep in overthinking to make a move. 

Overthinking Isn’t Clarity—It’s a Cage 

Here’s what I’ve learned: overthinking often disguises itself as being “smart,” “prepared,” or “responsible.” But underneath that mental noise is fear. Fear of making the wrong decision. Fear of losing control. Fear of not doing it perfectly. 

And that fear keeps us stuck. 

I stayed in aerospace three years longer than I should have. I ignored every intuitive nudge because I needed a flawless plan. It wasn’t until I was literally being let go while on my honeymoon that I finally began listening to what my gut had been trying to say all along: It’s time to go. 

What Makes a Brainster… a Brainster? 

If you’ve taken the Gutsy Chick Quiz and landed on Brainster, you probably recognize these traits

• You’re analytical and detail-oriented.
• You love to anticipate problems and plan for them. 
• You’re always thinking five steps ahead. 

These are powerful traits when used with intention. But unchecked? They lead to second-guessing, stagnation, and a life lived in the mental hamster wheel. 

Three Shifts That Helped Me Break Free 

If you’re a Brainster ready to move out of overthinking and into aligned action, here are three shifts that helped me—and that you can try too. 

1. Trust the First Hit. 
   Your intuition knows. That gut feeling? That internal “yes” or “no” before your brain kicks in? That’s wisdom. Practice honoring it before your inner committee starts debating. 

1. Set a Decision Timeline. 
   In aerospace, deadlines slip constantly. I brought that into my personal life—always pushing decisions out. Now, I give myself 24 hours (or even 2 minutes) to decide. That stops the spiral. 

1. Test, Don’t Perfect. 
   Everything is just data. Every decision is an experiment. There is no “right” answer, only the next step. Take it. Learn. Adjust. Move again. 

From Overthinking to Intuition: What Changed 

When I finally let go of the need to “logic” my way through everything, my body healed. My stress reduced. My energy returned. And I built a business helping other high-performing women do the same. 

I stopped believing that being stuck meant I needed more information—and started trusting that I already had what I needed inside me. And I want that for you, too. 

A Quick Challenge for the Brainsters 

Think of one decision—big or small—that you’ve been sitting on. Got it? 

Now ask yourself: What would I do if I trusted my gut? 

There’s your answer. Now take one small step toward it. Send the email. Make the call. Open the document. Trust yourself enough to move. 

Want to Know Your Archetype? 

If this post hit home, go take the Gutsy Chick Quiz and find out if you’re a Brainster, Bruiser, Stickler, or Chillster. It’s free, fast, and surprisingly insightful. 

👉 Take the quiz now 

And if you’ve got a friend who’s stuck in the spiral of overthinking? Share this post with her. Let’s help each other trade paralysis for progress—and start listening to our bodies again.