Maybe we’re overthinking it

Chantal Kamya
Jul 24, 2017 · 2 min read

There are so many sayings about thinking vs. speaking, and then speaking vs. doing. There is an adage about having two ears and one mouth because listening is more important than speaking. And then there is…thinking vs. doing.

We are warned about the disasters that may come from impulsive and reactive behavior. But some of us, just think. A lot. The audio coming out of our mouths, is no match for the whirl of thoughts in our mind. Do you ever wonder if you are overthinking things?

With the barrage of decisions in the public sphere — political, social and other- that seem to happen with an absence of thinking, thinking in any capacity can seem like a rare gem. And critical thinking and analyzing can help us make decisions that help us achieve goals or desired outcomes. But maybe some of us think for sport.

We can tussle an idea, concept, act, or experience from every angle, just because. Kind of like someone who is really good at doing soccer tricks and kicks with the ball, but doesn’t ever really play the game. And when it comes to decision making we can thoroughly dissect the multiple ways things can go, with different scenarios. But I wonder if it is too much of a sport, and not as much of a useful exercise for some of us. It is a bit like you have multiple ideas, a gift for analysis and yet you are paralyzed by your own gift.

Maybe there is such a thing as an excess of thinking. So, how can you tell if you’re “overthinking”? I don’t know. Let me think about haha. Overthinking is defined as thinking about something too much or for too long. So, here are some questions to consider:

  1. Does the amount of time and energy you spend thinking about things actually lead to better results?
  2. Do you enjoy thinking about things more than you enjoy doing things?
  3. Do you have a lot of ideas and thoughts that you have barely or never done anything about?
  4. Do you find yourself overwhelmed with the number of decisions you need to make (because there are so many things that you have an open tab on analyzing)?
  5. Does your thinking often lead you to the point of confusion instead of clarity?
  6. Do you typically feel rushed when it is time to make a decision?
  7. Do you often only make a decision when you are absolutely forced to at the very last minute?

Maybe we do it because we have a fear of making the wrong decision, or maybe it is just fun. But, if it isn’t actually helping us make progress, maybe it is time for a change. I don’t know maybe we should think about it more :)

Chantal Kamya

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I write about careers and moments that move me. Opinions expressed are mine, and do not represent the opinions of my employer

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