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I have encountered the term “over-think” a lot lately. I understood what it meant even though I had never bothered to define it. Realizing this, I have decided to define it, discover what about it is so problematic, and how to overcome it.

To over-think something seems to mean that there is an imbalance between thought and action. If we are over-thinking then we are thinking when we should be at the acting stage. To prepare for an action is wise, but to over-prepare can be just as devastating as not preparing at all (in certain instances). For example, imagine preparing to turn your car. You slow down. You turn your blinker on. Perhaps you near the right or left side of the road. This is only all acceptable in the event that you DO turn. If you miss the turn and continue on this course, it could be quite devastating to traffic and to yourself and anyone else on the road. There is a disconnect and misunderstanding in communication, and a lack of commitment to the action which creates confusion and in this instance is even quite dangerous. To prepare for any action in life is necessary, but only if the action is eventually taken. If the action is not taken, or if is taken too late, then this can be seen as a moment that one has “over-thought” the scenario.

What exactly is the problem with over-thinking? As you see, when one is so bent on thinking that they do not act enough (or at the right time), we can become paralyzed. Our thoughts literally stop us in our tracks. When we over-think, we tend to focus on not just how we should prepare but also on all the things that could go wrong in the event we take the action. This leads us to delay the action, or not do it entirely. This is clearly a problem for any individual wishing to lead at least a relatively normal life. Action is the only way we live, present ourselves, get anything done. Thinking is a precursor to it, but it cannot take action’s place.

The best way I can tell to overcome over-thinking is to recognize a thought in the instant you receive it and then act upon it as immediately as you can. This overcompensation leads to action over thought, which may seem awkward and foolish at first but is, in my opinion, a better option than to over-think and avoid or delay action. In any event, the overcompensation will in all likelihood even you out to the point where you are thinking and action in equal proportions, and no longer jumping into action nor delaying/avoiding it.

Lia Cross 

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