The Overthinking Spiral

Overthinking can turn the simplest decision into a never-ending mental debate. Here’s what’s helped me get a handle on it:

Chat with Your Older Self: I have a back and forth conversation with the 90 year old me. Use the now me and the future me to analyze if I will regret this decision. I ask myself questions and use different perspectives to help answer the questions.

Focus on Action: Instead of analyzing every option, I pick one small action to take. It keeps me moving forward instead of stuck in my head.

Fewer Options: Too many options can put me into choice paralysis. Cut away some of the choices and stick a stake in the ground.

Set Decision Deadlines: A quick way to kill indecision is to add a time constraint. 30 seconds for small decisions, 30 minutes for medium ones and 30 hours for large decisions. Using my discretion on the length of time.

Write It Down: Sometimes, getting my thoughts on paper helps me see things more clearly and keeps them from bouncing around my brain. Don't think, just write.

Flow State: I take note on the healthy activities that help me lose track of time i.e. yoga, writing, running etc. If my brain is 100% occupied overthinking becomes impossible.

5 Second Rule: I count down from 5 and make a decision. My brain will stop if I hesitate. Just do it.

Overthinking doesn’t solve problems; it just makes them bigger. I’m learning to take a step back, simplify, and move forward with confidence.