It has been a while since one of our TRIPLE III TIME readers has asked about offering a message about a specific topic. Well… first thanks for the topic idea and because I really do welcome feedback and options for discussions… I am more than pleased to talk about your suggestion: “Overthinking” Challenges!

First, to make sure we are all focusing on the same issue… the Webster’s dictionary says:

“Overthinking means spending too much time analyzing, worrying about, or replaying a situation or problem in a way that is unhelpful, repetitive, and often stressful. Instead of leading to a clear solution or action, it traps the mind in a cycle of doubt and mental exhaustion.”

Next, lets assess overthinking in its typical “non-progressive” context.  Will overthinking an issue offer a quick, easy solution… probably not. Does overthinking typically result in a situation where a lot of life-time (that we only have so much of) gets used up… yes. And can overthinking a challenge often lead you to “read more into” what needs to be done or what is really accurate about an issue and thereby cause you to take unwise action… probably so.

Therefore, before I begin suggesting some corrective action regarding “Overthinking” Challenges… consider this fact: EVERYONE OVERTHINKS SOMETIMES!  Then seriously review these concepts that may help:

• Don’t overthink to the point that you ignore the issue. It WON’T disappear.
• Don’t over-expect or under-expect what someone else might be able to do to help you.
• Try to narrow the overthinking issue to a point that highlights what you can do RIGHT NOW!
• Don’t make personal or professional promises you can’t achieve during overthinking moments.
• Don’t isolate yourself or your thoughts during “Overthinking” Challenges… talk to colleagues.
• Finally don’t allow overthinking to routinely take you down a negative outcome path.

I have found that seldom are you accurate about an issue when overthinking.  And most times the biggest realization is that you worried way too much for way too long.