How to empower your overthinking mind by asking yourself these questions
Overthinking is to think about something too much or for too long, it is an excess focus on a certain subject or concern. As Tony Robbins says, “Whatever you hold in your mind on a consistent basis is exactly what you will experience in your life”
But what if what you are holding onto something that it holding you back? The thoughts in our mind need to be channelled by questioning and reframing the premise.
Are you really overthinking?
Before you start beating yourself about overthinking, ask yourself if it is really that bad. Adding the prefix ‘over’ or ‘under’ to anything is in relation to a certain constant. In simple terms, overthinking is highly subjective. I had a friend who constantly complained about her overthinking habits and how it was ruining her sleep. It turned out that she was regularly surrounded by people who did not think a lot and kept the thinking part as a hobby, to be used sporadically.
Has your overthinking freed you from unnecessary troubles?
If you constantly analyse the pros and cons of a situation and tread cautiously, chances are you have also potentially avoided certain harmful outcomes. You might also have helped someone with your careful analysis and insights. Sure, overthinking can cause a lot of unnecessary worries but ruminating about your overthinking just add insult to injury. A list of how your overthinking has steered you in better directions can make you see a clearer picture.
Does your overthinking represent the whole of you?
Your overthinking maybe a part of your personality but it does not need to be an overpowering figure. Or is it something you have developed as a mechanism to confront the woes of the modern world? You are a whole being with many positive traits and strengths. Do not make the overthinking your be-all and end-all. Reframe your mindset and identify your overthinking patterns. As ludicrous as it seems, giving a name to your overthinking can help you dissociate from this pattern so that you can act in spite of it. For example, call it Bob. Give some tough love to Bob. Do not hesitate to talk back to Bob when he pops by, say Bob I appreciate your caution, but you are annoying me right now. It works wonders for me (mine is actually called Bob because I did not want to overthink the name).
What if I have too many overthinkers in my tribe?
It is true that your vibe attracts your tribe. It is also true that opposites attract. Reach out to people who are doers and have more experience in a similar situation. When you sense you are getting dragged down in a never-ending analysis paralysis, seek advice from someone who has a better grasp of the matter. He or she will provide you some answers and some pragmatism to your theoretical points.
How can I channel my thoughts into a productive reality?
Overthinking is related to anxiety and if not contained, can lead to depression. If you are in your head all the time, think about ways that you can share your thoughts and get it out of your head. Journaling is an excellent way to pour out your mind’s content, if you enjoy such activity. It does not matter if you do not have the knack for writing down perfect sentences, thoughts to words mean an action has been taken. There are other alternatives, for example, voice recording or voicing out what you are thinking about, to a supportive group.
Overthinking can cause anxiety and a lot of pain; however, we can stop overthinking right in its tracks if we catch ourselves doing it and ask ourselves the right questions. Naming your overthinking mind separates it from you so that you gain some level control of your thoughts and not the other way around.
