Overthinking
Thinking is helpful but overthinking can be harmful. When faced with a challenging situation we sometimes overthink our options, especially when we are emotionally invested.
Thinking is helpful but overthinking can be harmful. When faced with a challenging situation we sometimes overthink our options, especially when we are emotionally invested. However, the longer we think, the longer we avoid the problem, and the longer it will take to address it.
A good place to start is by acknowledging the situation exists, regardless of how you feel about it. Then be prepared to face the situation head-on so you can get through it. Even if you can’t change the situation, acknowledging it can help you accept what has happened and move on.
When you overthink, you risk complicating your thoughts on how to manage a situation.
Option 1: Accept the situation – the great platitudes will have us believe that we are simply resigning ourselves to it when we accept something. This is not true. When we consciously accept a situation, we are letting go of the emotional demand for it to be different. Acceptance is knowing that you can live with a situation the way it is, which is empowering.
Option 2: Change the situation – once you have decided you cannot accept a situation, your next option is to change it. Once you identify what needs changing you then keep working towards it. You need to be believe in the change so you can see it all the way through.
Option 3: Let it go. Letting go is when you can’t accept the situation but can’t change it either, normally this is with a situation out of your control. Unlike the other two this option is not focused on the situation but on your attitude towards to it, because that is something you can control. Letting go might also involve removing yourself from the situation, but this isn’t always possible.
Difficult situations require us to make difficult choices and if you feel sad after making a choice, it’s ok. This doesn’t mean you made the wrong decision. All you can do is choose an option that works best for you at that moment in time so you can move forward and onwards in life.
