Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you’re probably a proud owner of a high-functioning brain. You’ve likely aced a few tests, amazed people at parties with random trivia, and maybe even solved the occasional crisis with such ease and nonchalance.
But let’s be real for a second: how often has your brain also turned into an overthinking, anxiety-generating machine?
How many times have you tried to outsmart a problem so hard you created several new ones?
That’s the thinking trap. It starts innocently enough: “Let me just weigh all my options.” But suddenly, you’re 17 tabs deep into Google, charting out a decision tree that would make a NASA engineer jealous.
The problem with overthinking is the illusion to the belief that everything could be solved by just thinking things through or thinking harder.
The irony? Overthinking doesn’t make us smarter; it just makes us stuck.
We often fall into this trap because we’ve been conditioned to believe our intellect is our only superpower. But even Superman had kryptonite, and for us, that kryptonite is the illusion that thinking harder equals solving better
Spoiler: it doesn’t.
PAUSE
Ask yourself, What am I feeling right now? Name it. Don’t run from it.
Emotions aren’t enemies, they’re like messengers. They reveal what matters to you. Listen to them, but don’t let them dictate your next move. Even messengers need a coffee or tea break.When a decision feels overwhelming, simplify it. Break it into smaller steps. Focus on the next right action, not the entire journey. Clarity often comes through doing, not thinking.
When a decision feels overwhelming, simplify it. Break it into smaller steps. Focus on the next right action, not the entire journey. Clarity often comes through doing, not thinking.
Balance is key, reflect, but don’t overanalyze. Plan, but don’t obsess. Move forward with intention, not haste. Avoid the extremes, neither reckless impulsivity nor paralyzing indecision will serve you.
Hold yourself accountable and be honest about your motives and limitations. It’s okay to admit when you’re unsure or need help, wisdom tends to grow when you acknowledge what you don’t know.
Thinking is Great, Doing is Better
Life isn’t about finding perfect answers, it’s about trying, failing, and figuring it out as you go.
Your brain is amazing, truly it is. So far it’s gotten you wherever you are in life, and it’s probably going to take you even further. But don’t let it hold you back by convincing you to think when you should act.
Give yourself some grace. Mistakes will happen, what matters is what you do next. Learn, adjust, and keep it moving.
Remember, growth is uncomfortable. You’re not failing because it’s hard, you’re evolving, trust the process.
Progress doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be real.
So, next time you catch yourself spiraling into overthinking, pause, take a breath, and then, just do the thing.
Trust me, you’ll be fine, or at the very least, you’ll have an interesting story to tell and lessons to learn from.