I tend to overthink it...but as I continue to learn, my hope is that it will become more instinctive and less thought-centric.
At that point, I would have said: "It can become a bad habit. But you're on the right track when it comes to the mental aspects."
Most of my thinking comes right before the engagement. I usually size up what guard the opponet is in, and how they expect me to try to break it. Then I plan for what they are probably going to do to counter my guard breaking cut. Almost triple-guessing them, if you will. It sounds stupid and time-consuming, but I can think through it pretty quickly.
Also I feint a lot, apparantly.
If you can do it, then do it.
Feints have their own proper place and perspective, but that can be your advantage (something I will be expecting when you and me go bouting
) if you use it properly.
best thing is that I'm glad I'm short-statured because I can easily lure taller opponents to hit me straight to the head yet with perfect timing, Fuhlen & Indes and technique I can hit any opening below your level of vision when you make the strike.
And I can manipulate my Zufechten (Distance and Measure) to my will so I would be a bit difficult to hit but I will not allow you to hit me, unless you can, good for you.
I can even target the family jewels easily
(it's called durschwelchen
)