Don't Overthink It

1. Recognize and interrupt overthinking patterns

Our lives reflect what we persistently think about.

Overthinking defined: Overthinking involves repetitive, unhealthy, and unhelpful thoughts that make us feel bad while accomplishing nothing. It can manifest as worry, fretting about small stuff, or second-guessing ourselves.

Strategies to interrupt overthinking:

• Pay attention to your thoughts and self-talk
• Look for the good and practice gratitude
• Consider different points of view
• Brush aside unhelpful thoughts
• Schedule time to overthink
• Write down your thoughts
• Distract yourself
• Move your body

2. Set yourself up for success with routines and habits

Habits gradually change the face of one's life as time changes one's physical face; and one does not know it.

Complete the cycle: Finish what you start promptly to avoid mental clutter and anxiety. This includes tasks like:

• Sorting mail immediately
• Putting away laundry
• Filing important papers

Take care of your body: Prioritize sleep, exercise, nutrition, and hydration. These fundamentals impact your mental state and ability to think clearly.

Create breaks: Give yourself regular, restorative breaks throughout the day to refresh your mind and avoid decision fatigue.

3. Make decisions based on your core values

Whether we're going to Thailand or the grocery store, what we do can flow naturally out of who we are.

Identify your values: Reflect on what matters most to you and the kind of person you want to be. These could include things like authenticity, kindness, learning, or adventure.

Use values as a decision-making framework: When faced with choices, ask yourself which option aligns best with your core values. This can simplify decision-making and reduce overthinking.

Fact-check your values: Ensure your actions align with your stated values. If there's a disconnect, it may be time to reassess or make changes.

4. Limit choices to preserve mental energy

When we spend our time overthinking, that is what we're doing with our life.

Decision fatigue: Making numerous decisions throughout the day depletes our mental energy, leading to poorer choices over time.

Strategies to streamline decisions:

• Eat the same meals regularly
• Adopt a signature dish for entertaining
• Wear a personal uniform or capsule wardrobe
• Limit yourself to one source when researching options
• Set specific times for recurring tasks
• Establish device-free zones and times

5. Outsource tasks to free up mental space

Getting someone else to do it isn't just a savvy strategy. It's a way to do our best work and live our best lives.

Deciding what to outsource:

• Consider if you're able to do it
• Determine if you want to do it
• Assess if it would be meaningful to do yourself
• Evaluate if you can afford to do it (in terms of money and mental space)

Who to outsource to:

• Friends with relevant skills
• Professionals in the field

When to outsource:

• During busy seasons of life
• When you need help getting started
• To wrap up loose ends and gain confidence

6. Create rituals to add meaning and reduce stress

Ritual is something we do with a higher purpose in mind.

Benefits of rituals:

• Help practice mindfulness
• Provide a mental reset
• Improve sleep when done before bed
• Strengthen connections with others

Creating rituals: Transform routines into rituals by approaching them with intention and higher purpose. Examples include:

• Mindful morning coffee routine
• Regular calls with loved ones
• Friday night family dinners

7. Embrace spontaneity and simple pleasures

An unexpected turn of events may throw us into momentary disarray, but if we can push through the messy middle of renegotiating our decisions in a hurry, we may find joy on the other side.

Strategies for handling unexpected changes:

• Just pick something instead of overthinking options
• Lean in, expecting good things
• Build margin into your schedule for spontaneity

Benefits of spontaneity:

• Creates memorable experiences
• Adds joy to everyday life
• Helps break out of overthinking patterns

8. Be kind to yourself and adopt an abundance mindset

Iris Murdoch writes, "One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats, and if some of these can be inexpensive and quickly procured so much the better."

Identify your small treats: Recognize the little things that bring you joy, such as fresh flowers, good pens, or a favorite snack.

Make the good stuff a habit: Put decisions about small pleasures on autopilot to avoid overthinking. For example, buy flowers every grocery trip or light a candle each evening.

Look for ways to add joy: Choose the scenic route, take a moment to appreciate beauty, or indulge in a small luxury without guilt.

9. Take action to create positive change in your life and the world

We can create justice in our small daily interactions. We can create love and joy, right where we are.

Recognize your impact: Understand that your thoughts and actions create a ripple effect, influencing those around you and the wider world.

Ask important questions:

• What kind of person do I want to be?
• What kind of world do I want to live in?
• How can I make that happen in my own small way?

Take action: Start where you are, making small positive changes in your daily life. These small acts of renewal can add up to significant impact over time.

Last updated: September 6, 2024