Overthinking… oh yes.
We all do dive into our thoughts and live inside our minds for the majority of the time. This is simply how we evolved.
Still, there is a fine line between analizing the situation to get answers leading to actual problem-solving action and purely drowning in the endless stream of thoughts and ideas.
It would be so pleasant to claim that overthinkers are the intelligent ones that “like to understand” and are on the smart end of the spectrum.
But are they really?
And even if, is it really that wise, smart, and intelligent to keep staying inside the virtual reality of our mind?
Very often this is the approach or even an excuse people use to avoid the actual responsibility and effort required with the actual, physical action.
Whether we like it or not, we’re not some kind of unmaterial free spirits floating in space but actual physical beings living in a world that is equally tangible and unforgiving for those who do not learn to prosper in it in a materialistic way.
Intelligence is great, don’t get me wrong.
Thinking is necessary, without it we’re completely based on instincts.
But what we’re talking here about is the extreme… a path that leads to it…
Overthinking is like having a high-performance, top-class, high-end sports car and only driving it in a car park.
Yeah, I know what this machine is capable of so I will make concepts in my mind about its achievements, possible results, etc but will never test it, or push it to its limits…
No logic here, is there?
This is just a general analogy of why overthinking does actually more harm than good.
There is a whole list of challenges and hurdles that appear when thinking more than doing.
It can be counterproductive in life for several reasons:
- Paralysis by Analysis: When you overthink, you can become stuck in a cycle of overanalyzing every aspect of a situation. This can lead to indecision and inaction as you get bogged down by the multitude of possibilities and potential outcomes.
- Increased Stress and Anxiety: Overthinking often involves dwelling on negative scenarios or anticipating problems that may never occur. This can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even a negative impact on your mental and physical health.
- Wasted Time and Energy: Overthinking consumes valuable time and mental energy that could be better spent on productive activities or problem-solving. It can leave you feeling mentally exhausted without accomplishing anything tangible.
- Diminished Creativity: Overthinking can stifle creativity and innovation. When you excessively scrutinize and second-guess your ideas, you may become hesitant to take risks and explore new possibilities.
- Inflated Problems: Overthinking can blow small issues out of proportion, making them seem larger and more daunting than they actually are. This distorted perspective can lead to unnecessary stress and emotional distress.
- Strained Relationships: Overthinking can also affect your interactions with others. Constantly worrying about how others perceive you or interpreting every word and action can lead to misunderstandings and strain relationships.
- Missed Opportunities: By fixating on the past or worrying excessively about the future, you may miss out on present opportunities. Overthinking can hinder your ability to be fully present and engaged in the moment.
- Lack of Confidence: Overthinking can erode your confidence in decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Constantly second-guessing yourself can lead to a fear of failure and a reluctance to take action.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Overthinking can lead to setting unrealistic expectations for yourself and others. When you create impossibly high standards, it becomes challenging to achieve them, leading to disappointment and frustration.
- Negative Self-Talk: Overthinking often involves negative self-talk and self-doubt. Continuously berating yourself and focusing on perceived flaws can harm your self-esteem and overall well-being.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that there is nothing to be done about it.
At the end of the day, it is only us spending too much time inside our heads.
I’m sure there are dozens of methods, tips, and tricks on how to overcome it but one that always worked for me is unpleasantly simple.
It’s what my dad was (and still is) telling me – less thinking, more doing. IT IS THAT SIMPLE!
Action beats thinking every time. Have that to-do list and pick a first thing from it and get it done.
Clean your house, go to the gym, and make your blood pressure go up, cook yourself a lunch, fix that thing on your car that is waiting for months or repaint walls (yes, they need it).
Trust me. Whenever you catch yourself just sitting and drowning in your mind, lifting your butt up and literally improving your surrounding, you will always get in a better mood, and somehow magically 99% of problems that your brain made up “for you” disappear.
Funny how it works.
Action always beats thinking.
Overthinking is where the doubts are born – do allow them in.
Till the next one
Kamil
P.S.
If for some strange reason being active and productive doesn’t work (?) implement those tips below as extra help.
Practice mindfulness, stay present in the moment, and develop self-awareness about your thought patterns.
Techniques such as meditation, journaling, and seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can also be helpful in breaking the cycle of overthinking.
Learning to trust your instincts and accepting that not every decision will be perfect can also alleviate some of the burdens associated with overthinking.