The Importance of not thinking too much: the Trap of over thinking

 

                                                                

     Indeed, thinking too much is a psychological repetition that most of us develop in life, although it may be believed that we are trying to solve our problems or anticipating all aspects sooner or later we are just kept under wraps. It seems to be like spinning tires in mud, we are going somewhere, but we cannot get anywhere. That is why thinking too much puts us in traps and what we can do about it:

Why We Over think

1. Anxiety of the Unknown

Our brains demand answers, therefore, when we are subject to the (unpredictable) unknown, we think too much to give ourselves an illusion of being in control.

2. Perfectionism

Being concerned about having things just right may result in obsession with the weighing of options and the possible outcomes.

3. Past Experiences

The bad experience in the past renders us hyper-alert as we make attempts to forecast and circumvent possible future errors.

4. Information Overload

Due to an abundance of information, we are succumbing to the unnecessary consumption of advice, tips, and information and the decision-making process is becoming paralyzing.

The Reason Why Over thinking Feels Productive

• It misleads us into thinking we are proactive or taking caution when in the real sense we are trapped in the analysis paralysis.

Planning and preparations are well and good but when it comes to over thinking will also take one nowhere.

The Results of Thinking Too Much

•  Mental Fatigue: Thought of retracing the situations exudes our energy.
•  Wasted Day: The more time we waste in our head the less time we have to get out there and do stuff.
•  Inaction: We resist making a choice or any action, because there is the fear that we made the wrong choice.
•  Stress and Anxiety: By over thinking, one gets into a self-perpetuating loop of worry.

                                                         

  

How to Break Free from Over thinking

1. Set Time Limits for Decisions

Set a specific deadline to yourself to decide and be faithful to that Date.

2. Control the Things You Can Control

Focus away from “what-ifs” to things you can do.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Methods such as meditation, and grounding exercises will keep the hyper active mind calm.

4. Limit Information Intake

Avoid over-researching. In this case less is better

5. Take Small Actions

Any kind of progress, even small ones, interrupt the cycle of over thinking and create the momentum.

6. Question Your Thoughts

Question: Does this thought help me? Will contemplating about it make any difference?

7. Have a Good Enough attitude

Instead of doing things perfectly, look forward to solutions that are good enough to proceed.

The Bottom Line: Over thinking is one of the habits that keep us where we are and therefore cannot allow us to live and do things that matter. When we learn how to identify the trap, and introduce measures to break the pattern, we escape our heads and enter the life that is more purposeful and satisfying.