Many adult children aren't failing because they lack intelligence, talent, or opportunity. They are stuck because they think too much and act too little.

The parents I work with often describe these children in the same way: bright, sensitive, thoughtful, and capable. Over time, this not only slows growth but also infantilizes adulthood, keeping capable young adults dependent on certainty, reassurance, and avoidance rather than action.

And yet, years into adulthood, they struggle to launch, follow through, or build momentum. Careers don't start off; if they do, they abruptly stall and drag on seemingly endlessly. Motivation wanes much more than it waxes.

What looks like laziness is a subtle regression: The adult child remains trapped in maddening worry loops instead of tolerating discomfort and taking responsibility.

Overthinking does not just create

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