Like many of our clients, we (Jude and Helen) can be genius overthinkers!
Overthinking is thinking about everything about a subject in meticulous detail before moving forward. It’s the art of staying stuck from the need to understand everything about something.
If you prefer to read – scroll down past the video and you’ll find the article there…
Confessions of an Overthinker
Jude recounts her experience of learning to drive. She couldn’t use the clutch until she understood how it worked, how it moved to engage the parts that allowed her to drive, and how she could stop and start the car because of it. It’s no coincidence that Jude now drives an automatic!
We see this frequently in our clients when talking about their health and wellbeing. They ‘need’ to understand why something happened, how it happened, when it happened, and the future consequences of it happening before they can move on from it. The problem is, that they immerse themselves so deep in their thinking, that it keeps them awake at night.
End Overthinking
One of the challenges we have with our clients who overthink, is them discovering there are many ways to operate. Many of these ways are often more beneficial than trying to think their way through something.
Returning to Jude’s driving theme, it’s like they’re trying to drive a car in first gear only. They suddenly get the insight that they have other options or other gears to use to navigate the world.
If you recognise, you’re an overthinker, start by being kind to yourself. In our experience, over-thinkers can are often mean to themselves and will constantly blame themselves for everything.
Recognise that overthinking is a skill set. And, like all skill sets, they can be changed and new, more useful ones, can be learnt to replace them. Be curious about your options and find alternative ways of finding solutions and showing up in the world that won’t keep you awake at night.
Get Help
Overthinking can really limit your life and suck all the joy out of it. If you struggle with overthinking and want to change it, contact us and find out how we can help you.
