4 Mindful Decisions That Reduced My Overthinking to Almost Zero

Worrying and overthinking are a part of our human existence but there comes a moment when these thoughts become damaging.

We often fall into the trap of second-guessing our decisions, questioning our conversations and picturing disastrous outcomes in our head.

These thoughts eat away at our energy.

They make us a vulnerable shell of stress and anxiety and we feel neck deep in the feeling that everything is set against us.

Ever notice how overthinking always involves incessantly negative patterns of thoughts?

I’m gonna embarrass myself on that stage tonight…
I can’t believe I said that yesterday, what are they gonna think of me?
I will probably be the last in line for promotion. Everyone’s better than me anyways.

Sounds familiar?

These negative thoughts follow one after another and the last thing you know is feeling drained.

I used to have a deep relationship with overthinking.

A few mindful practices have helped me identify and deal with those thoughts just as they start forming.

I’ve learned to accept those thoughts for what they really are

It’s become apparent to me that reality and my thoughts are two completely different things at times.

Whenever I feel the pull of thoughts that promise disastrous outcomes, I challenge them.

I deliberate upon their existence and feel relieved upon realizing that my thoughts don’t affect the outside world at all.

I’m prepared. I’m confident. I’ve thought about the risks before.

There’s nothing that indicates that those thoughts are real.

So next time you get some exaggerated thoughts?

Remember to compare them to reality.

Does this really have a basis in the real world or is it just a fear?

If it’s a fear then identify the source of the fear. Does it make sense?

If not, you’ve got nothing to worry about.

I’ve come to train myself to know when I’m stuck

There are days when I’m surrounded by negative thoughts.

Looming fears of terrible outcomes from wrong decisions try to make me feel trapped.

I’ve become mindful enough to know when I’m getting stuck in my own thoughts.

You see, overthinking often creeps up silently on you.

It makes you believe as if you’re just thinking regularly. You don’t even recognize the effects on your mind and body until it’s too late.

When it becomes apparent that you’re overplaying some thoughts in your head, learn to pause.

The pause will give you clarity as to which thoughts are useful and which ones are simply a product of overthinking.

Use that moment to reflect.

Reflect on the source of that turmoil.

Is it something you did in the past? Is it something you’re afraid of doing?

Once you’re able to identify the root of those thoughts, you become adept at identifying and putting a halt on your overthinking.

I’ve programmed myself to focus on the work

Have you ever taken 4 hours to complete a task that should’ve only taken you 1?

I have. It’s a result of overthinking the results rather than focusing on the work that it’ll take to get there.

There have been many scenarios where I’d been too busy dreaming about the positive or negative outcomes than do what’s right in front of me.

The things that matter are the things right there awaiting action.

The things in the background, the past and the future are all distractions.

If the primary source of a positive outcome is the work that you do today, then why waste time thinking about that outcome at all?

I’ve programmed myself to see the need for immediate action.

To zero in on the problem-solving.

I know I’m competent at the task. I’m confident in my work.

And once I complete it, there’s no intrusive thoughts promising doom.

When your work is accounted for, your future is accounted for.

I’ve changed my level of attentiveness to max

Being in the present moment is more powerful than it sounds on paper.

Recall how our favourite movie is so extremely absorbing? We tend to forget about the world when we’re immersed in it.

That level of concentration is similar to what I’ve learned to build consciously.

Becoming hyper-focused on the present work in front of me has rescued me from many a mental gymnastics I had to do to get rid of my overthinking.

It’s helpful to remember that stress and anxiety only come from thinking about the future.

The “Then what?” category of thoughts are often useless.

They contribute nothing tangible and yet they subtly drain your energy.

If you’re mindfully in the present, you’re often absorbed in making the most out of it.

No thoughts can get in the way of that focus.

Final thoughts

Training your mind to behave in a certain way often takes time and effort, just like the muscles of your body.

Repeating these practices day after day will need sustained determination.

Instant results are foolish to presume. Instilling good habits often take a giant amount of will power in the beginning.