Overthinking is a common pattern of unhelpful thinking that can impact your productivity and well-being at work. Overthinking involves excessive analysis of situations or decisions, often leading to mental fatigue and inaction. Key signs include:
• Replaying conversations or events in your mind.
• Constantly second-guessing your choices.
• Struggling to focus because of repetitive thoughts.
Five Strategies to Overcome Overthinking
Set a Time Limit for Decision-Making
• Allocate a specific time to make decisions, such as 10 minutes for smaller choices.
• Stick to the time frame to avoid overanalysing.
Challenge Perfectionist Thinking
• Ask yourself, “Is this good enough for the purpose?” instead of aiming for flawlessness.
• Remind yourself that perfection isn’t always necessary or achievable.
Focus on What You Can Control
• Identify what aspects of a situation you can influence. Let go of what’s beyond your control.
• Redirect your energy toward actionable steps.
Practice Mindfulness
• Use mindfulness to stay present and avoid dwelling on past events or future uncertainties.
• Start with a few minutes of deep breathing to clear your mind.
Take Action Quickly
• Procrastination fuels overthinking. Begin with one small step to gain momentum.
• Break tasks into smaller pieces to reduce overwhelm.