Thinking is generally a good thing.
Analyzing a situation or opportunity, calculating the risks and extrapolating various outcomes… it all is generally agreed upon as ‘the smart thing to do’.
I think it’s a waste of time.
Well, let me be clear… calculating risk is NOT a waste of time.
Analyzing a situation or opportunity is NOT a waste of time.
Extrapolating the various outcomes of a scenario is NOT a waste of time.
What I mean is, by the time you start consciously thinking stuff like this through… you’ve probably already figured it out.
Thinking is NOT a waste of time.
Overthinking IS a waste of time.
Now, don’t take this as legal advice.
As lawyers have devised their own secret language (sort of a cross between, Esparonto, Latin and the secret language of twins), it is unfair to think you can safely navigate those waters.
Let them think about that stuff and translate it into human speak, then act.
I’m referring to those everyday decisions, or even not-so-everyday ones, that you let pile up in your brain. Afraid to make the wrong decision, you let them sit there taking up space in your head and pushing out other stuff like your own phone number.
Those unresolved decisions are the number one favourite snack of stress and anxiety. They eat that shit up.
Spoiler: You’ve already made the decision.
Your miraculous brain has already either immediately, or after being briefed on this issue, calculated the risk, played out the consequences, and even prepared for subsequent decisions based on those consequences.
Thinking is good.
Overthinking is bad.
Here’s the reassuring and also awful news…
the decisions you make, whether overthought or not, still might be wrong.
We can only make decisions based on the information we have, and even then that information might change outside of our control.
So we only do our best to be smart.
Calculate risk.
And act accordingly.
But it remains that…
no matter the issue, you’ve probably already figured it out.
Relationship issues?
Job opportunities?
Bad situations?
Should you have that snack?
Should you buy that thing?
Whatever.
Just admit it. You’ve already figured it out.
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For me it’s the emotional reaction which won’t let it go. Great article