One very common and destructive thing that holds people back from the life they truly want live very is over thinking
Sometimes we often overthink every little problem until it becomes bigger and scarier and it actually is. We Overthink positive things until they don’t look so positive anymore.
This happened to me few weeks ago, I just woke up very early in the morning, and decided to do one of my early morning routine, an Idea dropped to my mind, it was so overwhelming and it really looks good that I almost saw it manifesting, through the whole day I was pondering and pondering, it got to a point I had slight head ache, it got to another point where I got confused, I got lost I can't really find meaning to the idea again, I loosed the meaning.
Take note, over thinking can cause you to overanalyze and deconstruct things and loose the happiness that comes from just enjoying the thoughts, sometimes the moment disappears.
Now, thinking things through can be a great thing of course. But being an overthinker can result in becoming someone who stands still in life. In becoming someone who self-sabotages the good things that happen in life.
I came across an article on over thinking it helped me alot. I have decided to share with you some of the things I learnt in the article.
I would like to share 9 habits that have helped me in a big, big way to become a simpler and smarter thinker and to live a happier and less fearful life.
1. Putting things into a wider perspective.
Most times we often overthink minor things in life.
Very Important, the moment you discover you thinking and thinking about something ask yourself:
Will this idea,or thought matter in 5 years? Or even in 5 weeks?
I have found that widening the perspective by using this simple question can snap me quickly out of overthinking and help me to let that situation go and focus my time and energy on something that actually does matter to me.
2. Set short time-limits for making decisions.
If you fail to have a time-limit for making decisions and taking actions then you can just keep turning your thoughts around and around and view them from all angles in your mind for a very long time.
So learn to become better at making decisions and to spring into action by setting deadlines in your daily life. No matter if it is a small or bigger decision.
You can try this;
For small decisions like going to do the dishes, respond to an email or work out you can give yourself 30 seconds or less to make a decision. For larger decisions that would take days or weeks to think through try give a deadline of 30 minutes.
3. Learn To Take Action.
When you know how to get started with taking action consistently each day then you’ll procrastinate less by overthinking.
It works so well because you do not feel overwhelmed and so you do not want flee into procrastination. And even though you may be afraid, taking just a step is such a small thing that you do not get paralyzed in fear.
4. Realize that you cannot control everything.
Trying to think things through 50 times can be a way to try to control everything. To cover every eventuality so you do not risk making a mistake, fail or looking like a fool.
But those things are a part of living a life where you truly stretch your comfort zone. Everyone who you may admire and have lived a life that inspires you has failed. They have made mistakes.
But in most cases they have also seen these things as valuable feedback to learn from. Those things that may look negative have taught them a lot and have been invaluable to help them to grow.
So stop trying to control everything. Trying to do so simply doesn’t work because no one can see all possible scenarios in advance.
This is of course easier said than done. So do it in small steps if you like.
5. Say stop in situation where you know you cannot think straight.
In our day to day life we are face with situation where we will have to make quality decisions, the moment you find yourself in a situation that you know fully well that you can not think straight and you know any mistake will jeopardize or worsen the situation try to take a break, just say stop until you get your balance. A good man is known for his quality decision.
6. Do not get lost in vague fears.
Learn to ask yourself: honestly, what is the worst that could happen?
And when you figure out what the worst that could happen actually is, then try spend a little time to think about what you can do if that often pretty unlikely thing happens.
You will find out that the worst that could realistically happen is usually something that is not as scary as what the mind running wild with vague fear could produce.
Finding clarity in this way usually only takes a few minutes of time and bit of energy and it can save you a lot of time and suffering.
7. Work out.
This might sound a bit odd.
Try some work out – especially with lifting weights or little exercise it can help you go of inner tensions and worries.
Perhaps it can make you feel more decisive, try making it a method of changing the headspace you are in to a more constructive one.
Better Still look out for something to do that will help you reduce your tension and worries.
8. Spend more of your time in the present moment.
By being in the present moment in your everyday life rather than in the past or a possible future in your mind you can replace more and more of the time you usually spend on overthinking things with just being here right now instead.
Three ways that can help you to reconnect with the present moment are:
Slow down. Slow down how you do whatever you are doing right now. Move slower, talk slower or ride your bicycle more slowly for example. By doing so you become more aware of how you use your body and what is happening all around you right now.
Tell yourself: Now I am X. And X could be brushing my teeth. Taking a walk in the woods. Or doing the dishes. This simple reminder helps the mind to stop wandering and brings focus back to what is happening in the present moment.
Disrupt and reconnect. If you feel you are getting lost in overthinking then disrupt that thought by – in your mind – shouting this to yourself : STOP! Then reconnect with the present moment by taking just 1-2 minutes to focus fully on what is going on around you. Take it all in with all your senses. Feel it, hear it, smell it, see it and sense it on your skin.
9. Spend more of your time with people who do not overthink things.
Your social environment plays a big part. And not just the people and groups close to you in real life. But also what you read, listen to and watch. The blogs, books, forums, movies, podcasts and music in your life.
So think about if there are any sources in your life – close by or further away – that encourages and tends create more overthinking in your mind. And think about what people or sources that has the opposite effect on you.
Find ways to spend more of your time and attention with the people and sources that have a positive effect on your thinking and less on the influences that tends to strengthen your overthinking habit.
10. Attitude of Gratitude
Develop an attitude of gratitude, be thankful for everything. It helps to reduce your worries and put smiles on the face.
I hope this post was helpful, kindly leave a comment.
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