July 31, 2018 0

Stop Overthinking and Start Living: How Overthinking Kills Happiness

Overthinking is a common habit that can have detrimental effects on our happiness. The incessant analysis of past events or the anxious anticipation of the future often leads to unnecessary stress and worry. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why overthinking can be so damaging and discuss strategies to overcome this destructive habit.

The Paralysis of Analysis

Constantly replaying past situations or obsessing over the “what ifs” of the future can lead to a state of mental paralysis. This overactive rumination prevents us from fully engaging with the present moment and enjoying the experiences life has to offer. By getting lost in our thoughts, we miss out on the simple joys and opportunities for happiness that surround us.

Magnifying Problems

Overthinking has a way of magnifying problems and making them seem insurmountable. What starts as a minor concern can quickly snowball into a major source of anxiety and distress. This distorted perception can lead to a persistent state of unhappiness, as we struggle to find solutions to issues that may not be as dire as they seem.

Strained Relationships

When we’re trapped in the cycle of overthinking, our relationships can suffer. Constantly seeking reassurance or overanalyzing interactions can create unnecessary tension and distance between ourselves and those we care about. This strain on our connections with others further exacerbates feelings of isolation and discontent.

Embracing Mindfulness

One of the most effective ways to counteract the effects of overthinking is to practice mindfulness. By focusing on the present moment and accepting our thoughts without judgment, we can regain control over our mental state. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, allow us to ground ourselves in the here and now, fostering a sense of calm and inner peace.

Cultivating Gratitude

Shifting our focus from overanalysis to gratitude can significantly enhance our happiness. Taking time to appreciate the positive aspects of our lives, no matter how small they may seem, can counteract the negative effects of overthinking. By cultivating a mindset of thankfulness, we can train our brains to seek out the good, even amidst challenging circumstances.

Action Over Rumination

Rather than getting caught in the trap of overthinking, taking action can provide a sense of empowerment and control. By addressing issues directly and making proactive choices, we can break free from the cycle of perpetual rumination. Engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment can redirect our energy towards productive endeavors.

Conclusion

Overthinking is a subtle yet formidable barrier to happiness. By recognizing the ways in which it hinders our well-being and implementing strategies to combat it, we can reclaim our sense of contentment and fulfillment. Embracing mindfulness, cultivating gratitude, and taking decisive action are essential steps towards breaking free from the grip of overthinking and embracing a more joyful existence.

So, let’s make a conscious effort to stop overthinking and start living in the present moment. Happiness awaits those who free themselves from the shackles of overanalysis.

July 30, 2018 0

Algoma dawn

by toddlohenry

April 9, 2015 0

Paul Revere

…via Tumblr.

July 16, 2013 1

#CueCards

…via Tumblr.

July 16, 2013 1

Step into Your Starring Role

Earlier this year I ‘discovered’ the ‘imposter complex’ thanks to my yogi Jackie Dumaine. The more I learned about it the more I understood why I haven’t finished my epic book on ‘Becoming Known’. I believe, you see, that if you can name it you can ‘fix it’. If something has a name, that means you can google it and find tools to help. There are a few reasons why my book remains 70% completed — one of them is that as soon as you put your thoughts into words and declare your expertise in an area, someone smarter can come along and prove that you’re a moron…

A few days ago, Tanya Geisler [the author of the following quote] was kind enough to track me down in Twitter and share her TEDx Women talk on the same subject — how I missed this, I’ll never know but as the Buddha said ‘when the student is ready the teacher comes along‘. She says:

Ever since November 2012, I knew that there would be a moment that my TEDxWomen talk would be available for all to see. And that I’d need to find a way to share it with my corner of the world. That is, YOU. I’d love to say that I was excited, but the reality is, I’ve been a little, well…nervous.

I mean, I KNEW I’d be proud of it…I spent weeks (and weeks) preparing, researching, training, practicing, finessing and getting it under the requisite 18 minutes. And I KNEW the content would be good…I know the Impostor Complex like the back of my hand.

But asking everyone, YOU, to go check out my TEDxWomen talk is just…so…selfish, right?

Me, me, me, me, me.

I’ve started and stopped this very post about 15 times. Each time I approached with this question:: “what huge, massive, COLOSSAL value can I bring to my readers AND STILL let them know that my talk is available for viewing?”…as though the two were mutually exclusive.

So I’m about to take a leap of faith. The huge value of this post IS my talk.

Whoa. Whoa. Whooooooooa.

That seriously just kind of took my breath away. The sheer audacity.

But there it is.

My friends, I know A LOT about the Impostor Complex. So much so, that I am indeed becoming an Authority on the topic.

I’m claiming that.

In my perfectly imperfect talk, I’ve outlined a process that moves us from feeling like an Impostor to feeling like an Authority. I use it with my coaching clients, and in my own life. It’s also the backbone of my Step into Your Starring Role program.

If you ever, EVER struggle with the Impostor Complex, then you WILL get value from watching this talk…because I wrote the talk for you.

And now, I leave it in your loving hands, and will go and celebrate (an ever-important step in the process, you’ll see) by busting my Kid out of after-school care early for an ice cream cone.

Because

I did it. I really, really did it.

And if you want to do it too, you can and will too. ”How do you begin? The answer is simple: you decide to.” – Anne Lamott

And maybe, just maybe this will guide you::

Source: Quite Simply…my TEDxWomen Talk | Tanya Geisler – Step into Your Starring Role

Can I recommend you take the time to watch her talk? I just did…

I believe that the danger and the opportunity of social media and transformational thought leadership is walking the fine line and finding the ‘golden mean’ between imposter syndrome and narcissism. This is such an important impediment to transformational thought leadership that I’m going to start a resource page here. I’ll keep adding to it so come back often…