Nearly every and anyone of us have experienced the reliving conversations in our mind at some moment of our life or being anxious about things that never occurred ever or simply thinking that what if this occurs?, what if that occurs? Overthinking is a psychological state which gets us into self-doubt, anxiety and depression. But there is always an escape from it. You can train your brain to think differently.
The secret to break free from overthinking is changing your mindset. When you embrace more empowering mental strategies, you make room for clarity, action and peace of mind.
In this blog, we will talk about the 7 effective tips that can assist you in stopping overthinking and living with purpose.
“What if Everything Goes Wrong?” –> “What if it works out?”
Overthinking starts when you begin asking yourself the “what if” questions:
“What if I fail?”, “What if they don’t like me?”, “What if I make a bad decision?”
Replace these negative questions with asking your inner self “What if this turns out better than I can imagine?”.
Next time when your mind goes around the “What if?” questions, jot down 3 good “What if?” alternatives. This will provide your brain a positive perspective to think and also a hope that even the good things are achievable.
“I Need To Control Everything” –> “I Can Handle Whatever Comes”
Overthinkers always assume that they have to control everything. Control is nothing but an illusion. You can control your actions, but you cannot control the result.
Instead, begin to believe that “I may not be able to control the result, but I trust myself to deal with it.”
This will enable you to refrain from wasting your energy micromanaging the future, which is virtually impossible in any case, and begin developing resilience.
“I Must Make the Perfect Decision” –> “No Decision Is Perfect”
An attempt to be perfect always results in excessive thinking. Rather, you should simply attempt to be yourself, do the best you can and have trust in your work. The fact is that there is always no perfect decision.
Give yourself a decision deadline. Commit yourself to a choice and move on, no time for second-guessing.
“Thinking More Will Give Me Clarity” –> “Action Creates Clarity”
We usually believe that clarity results from thinking more. It is partly true but after a certain point, it is referred to as overthinking. The best solutions arrive when we act. We may fail or we may succeed but at least we will get to learn something.
The new mantra that can perhaps work is that “I don’t need all the answers to begin. I’ll learn as I go.”
Begin small. Action trumps analysis in the long run.
“I Must Avoid All Mistakes” –> “Mistakes Are How I Grow”
Mistakes are not failures- they are lessons, they are feedbacks, for you to learn and grow.
So whenever next you make mistake, remind yourself “I’m not failing- I’m figuring it out.”
Allow yourself to take the risk, It’s the quickest way to grow.
“I Need Everyone’s Approval” –> “I Trust My Own Voice”
Anxiety about what people think creates mental confusion and disorder. You might take suggestions from others but do what your heart dictates and is right in your eyes. Do not let others control your life.
Level up your mindset “My worth isn’t up for debate”
Trust yourself more because your peace is more important than opinions.
“Thinking = Solving” –> “Rest = Reset”
At times, overthinking appears like productivity- but it is simply mental fatigue in actual.
Attempt to move away, take a walk, meditate. Provide your brain space and time to reboot. The best ideas usually come in serenity and a peaceful state of mind.
Overthinking does not indicate that you are weak or broken. It simply indicates that your mind is working overtime to keep you safe.
But growth starts when you quit fearing and begin trusting- when you move from control to confidence.
These paradigm shifts will serve you in having a clear vision, making decisions quicker and feeling more comfortable.