How to Stop Overthinking (Part 1): What You’re Really Dealing With

Ever find yourself replaying a conversation over and over…
Wondering if you did the right thing…
Fixating on a decision you still haven’t made?

I do, and more often than I’d care to admit. So you’re not alone.

There’s a name for this loop. It’s called overthinking—and it’s not the same as concern, preparation, or insight.

I love this entry from Urban Dictionary that defines overthinking as:

“The art of creating problems that weren't even there.”

Overthinking comes in a few different shades:

• Rumination is overthinking the past and is strongly connected with depression.

• Worry is overthinking the future. Psychologist Gwendoline Smith describes worry as “negative, catastrophic predictions about the future.” Not surprisingly, worry is linked to anxiety.

Overthinking doesn’t lead to action.
It leads to self-doubt, mental exhaustion, and often more confusion.

It’s what happens when your brain is trying to solve something emotional using logic, control, or perfectionism.

And here’s the tricky part: overthinking feels productive… right up until it isn’t.

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Mini Insight:

Let’s start with a gentle distinction:

Concern is grounded. It says: “There’s a problem, and I’m considering solutions.”
Overthinking is circular. It says: “What if I get it wrong? What if this never gets better? What if I’m the problem?”

Naming which one you’re in is the first way to soften the spiral.

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In the member section below, I’ve created a simple reflection tool to help you notice when you’ve left useful concern and entered the overthinking loop.

I’d love to have you join me there when you’re ready.