The Problem-Solver’s Trap for New Leaders

How to Stop Thinking Too Much and Get Off the Hamster Wheel

You just got a promotion. You are now in charge of a team as well as your own work. There is a lot of pressure to prove yourself. Then it happens: your mind goes into overdrive when a project hits a snag or you get negative feedback. You rewind the situation, look at every detail, and look for the best answer — what could have prevented it from happening.

Your strength is fixing problems, right? But hours later, you’re still hooked on the same thoughts, traveling in circles. You keep going over the problem instead of getting clarity. This is rumination, which is like being on a mental hamster wheel that goes nowhere.

This happens all too often for new leaders. The skill that got you this job — being able to solve hard problems — can also get you into trouble. Your brain sees every problem as a puzzle that needs to be solved right now, even if it’s not clear what the problem is or you can’t do anything about it. The outcome isn’t clarity; it’s a cycle of overthinking that drains your energy and confidence.

The good news is? You can get off the hamster wheel. You can stop second-guessing and start focusing your energy on growth by changing from rumination to purposeful reflection.