Overthinking is wild. I can see my whole life flash before my eyes in a second. Just one look at a situation, and I’ve already mapped out how it all should go.
It is always to focus on the end result, and while chasing the end goal is great, it can be super tiring.
I’ve figured out that I do this to protect myself. I believe if I can predict every outcome, I can avoid failure or surprise success. But I don’t always remember that if you try to script every possible ending, you’ll never finish the story.
So, I just stay stuck, making up new scenarios instead of making moves.
This has been my struggle for ages. I overthink everything until I’m totally uninspired and out of ideas.
The Key Takeaway.
We have around 70,000 thoughts a day. Among them, there’s always one that makes you feel awful, the one that makes your stomach hurt and puts you in the loop of ‘what-ifs’ and tears and fears. But look, there’s a time to think, a time to move, and a time to move forward.
How Can You Stop Overthinking Everything?
Know When You’re Doing It.
First, we need to spot when we’re stuck in unhelpful thought loops. Sometimes, we love getting lost in a different world, and it’s okay!
But if you can’t make decisions about your life, career, or whatever, because of these repetitive thoughts, that’s your sign to tell yourself; SLOW DOWN.
Replace “What If” With “We’ll See.”
Overthinkers always ask “what if,” which is a question with no answer. If you catch yourself asking “what if,” switch it to “we’ll see.” This helps you move from overthinking to acceptance. You might even start becoming more stoic. And that’s awesome for an overthinker.
Focus On What You Can Control.
Control your mind by owning your thoughts, and you’ll naturally accept your happiness too.
When someone breaks up with you, what hurts more? The fact they left, or your thoughts about them leaving?
Exactly, it’s them thoughts. But you can control how you respond, not what they did to you.
Starting now, ask yourself what you can control. It’ll shift your perspective and help you focus on what you can actually control or change.
Add Some Self Reflection.
Overthinking boils down to your thoughts. Ask yourself: are you overthinking from a place of growth or fear?
If it’s growth, that’s cool – it’s a part of the process. Fear? Own those thoughts.
Accept that you’re feeling down because you choose to keep thinking about something that makes you feel down. Ask yourself ‘Why’. Why do I do this to myself? Why am I feeling this way? What am I so afraid of?
You already know the answer to those ‘whys’. We just don’t dig deep enough because it’s hard to face the truth.
Own It. But Change The Narrative.
Overthinking is natural. It’s not the end of the world. So own it and take your special gift and instinct to dig deep, and use it for your self-growth and best interest.
Life is 5% what happens to you and 95% how you react to it.
Overthink on that!
