Hi Elyse,
Many people struggle with overthinking. What has your study shown that we can do to lessen the stress that accompanies it?
Thanks!
Michelle
I often joke that I’m the self-proclaimed resident overthinker on the team, and we’ve had a few good laughs about how that led to my procrastination in writing this article. Overthinking is a default mode for me, confirmed by high analyst traits showing up year after year in results from our personality survey. Couple that with my preferred slow decision-making and introversion, and it’s a perfect storm.
There are advantages to being an overthinker and drawbacks when it gets out of control. Life experience and constructive awareness of this trait have been my best teachers to wield it properly. Personality assessment has helped me be more cognizant of my tendencies. This has allowed me to apply strategy where I want to grow, and given me confidence in areas I had never before viewed as strengths.
Overthinkers have loud brains, looping through a constant flow of thoughts. We replay past interactions, hyper-focusing on how we should have done things differently and preparing for hypothetical scenarios. No one has a perfect childhood, and early experiences of instability can lead to feeling that we need to anticipate every future problem.
Thank goodness our brains are resilient masterpieces, so mental habits can be rewired with awareness and practice.
Overthinkers take problem solving to a whole new level and are often creative and deeply involved in the process. We don’t rush to implement plans, but can miss opportunities if we delay too long. The battle in our mind is between analyzing facts and taking action. Learning to choose which risks are worth taking can lead to more progress, faster results, and less worry.
Confidence in decision-making isn’t about being right every time. It’s about learning through experience, and knowing your value as a person or teammate doesn’t change if things don’t go perfectly.
The negative aspects of overthinking can include anxiety, depression, and the bane of productivity: analysis paralysis. Recognizing unproductive thinking (like rehashing negative experiences) in its early stages can shut down the spiral.
There are ways to turn all that cognitive energy into a superpower. Don’t be afraid to let go of something you’ve put time into that isn’t working. Don’t overwork a project to its demise or let fear stop you from starting it in the name of perfection.
If you’ve thought yourself into a rut, get moving. Change your perspective by consulting
a trusted friend or coach who will give balanced feedback. Literally get moving with exercise
as a brain break. Set goals with short deadlines so you’ll take action sooner. Finish a first step.
Take it from me, every time you act despite doubt, your brain learns that’s it’s safe to do so and your confidence will grow.