These days, a lot of folks are grappling with things like insomnia, anxiety, or just plain old worries. Often, the reason is too much overthinking.
As we grow older, we tend to take on more responsibilities than we ever imagined, which naturally leads to more concerns. It's pretty common for kids to worry less and adults to worry more. Running through different scenarios in your mind can be useful, but it's important not to go overboard.
Overthinking often boils down to one simple question: "What if?" Anyone who's ever struggled with insomnia can probably relate. It's not the actual problem that keeps us up at night; it's how we interpret it.
Overthinkers might find themselves imagining a hundred different scenarios.
"What if my poor performance costs me my job?"
"What if my customer isn't satisfied?"
"What if the car repair bill is over $500?"
"What if my boss isn't pleased?"
Constantly considering every possible outcome can drive you nuts.
There's really no need for that.
About 95% of the things we worry about never happen, and even if they do, there's always a way to handle them.

The catch

Worrying about the worst-case scenario isn't going to solve your problem.
In fact, it might do the opposite! You could end up making decisions that aren't the best because you're acting on impulse.
When you let worry take over, it's tough to keep your emotions in check, and that rarely leads to good outcomes.

The ancient Stoics believed that worrying about things beyond our control is pointless. So, what can we actually control? The only thing truly within our power is our actions and how we choose to handle the situations life throws our way.

Let's explore a few reasons why we tend to overthink and see how we can dial it down a bit.

The reasons

1. Fantasizing about the worst outcome

2. Allowing others to manipulate us

3. Pressure of social media

4. Fear of conflict

Fantasizing about the worst outcome:
What is overthinking?
Everyone experiences it differently, but there's one common thread among overthinkers: they often worry about various scenarios.
Typically, we fixate on negative outcomes.
It's fascinating because any situation in life can lead to multiple possibilities, yet we often zero in on the worst-case scenario.
Most of the time, these fears don't come true, and trying to prepare for them doesn't really help. Instead, it just makes the waiting period feel miserable.

Allowing others to manipulate us:
Overthinking can be a real source of stress, leading to problems like sleepless nights or anxiety. Often, these feelings stem from something someone else did or said.
It's important to remember that some people might try to influence us for their own gain. Don't let others control your thoughts—keeping that power for yourself is one of the best things you can do.
I wrote an article about the most common manipulation techniques, in case you’re interested.

Pressure of social media:
I just wanted to share a little thought about social media. It can sometimes mess with our minds if we're not careful. Remember, not everything you see online is real, and even if it is, it represents just a tiny fraction of people.
If you're living in a Western country, you're actually doing better than most of the world's population.
So, don't stress if you see someone making millions in their twenties or if everyone seems to have flawless skin or the perfect body.
That's not the whole picture. Don't let it get to you if others seem to be better off.

Fear of conflict:
Being afraid of conflict won't solve your problems. If you're unhappy with how things are going or how you're being treated, there's no need to stay at home feeling miserable. In our society, many people face unfair treatment and struggle to find the courage to stand up for themselves. Conflict is a natural part of life, and it's important not to shy away from defending yourself. I'm not suggesting you should always be looking for a fight, but standing up for your beliefs is essential.
Don’t waste your life making everyone else happy.

In conclusion

Overthinking too much isn't good for you! It's natural to think about different scenarios as part of planning, and I think that's important. Being prepared and aware of potential outcomes is smart, but letting the worst-case scenarios drive you crazy isn't helpful. It's essential to strike a balance between being cautious and allowing yourself to live in the moment.
Remember, some people might try to manipulate you intentionally, so stay strong.
Trust your instincts and don't let others sway your judgment and don't feel down just because everyone on social media seems to have it all together—that's not the real picture!
Social media often presents a curated version of reality, where people only share their highlights and successes.
It's easy to forget that everyone faces challenges and struggles behind the scenes.


Thank you for reading.