When Overthinking Became a Good Thing

To the overthinkers:

We have a lot in common. From the most trivial fragments of everyday life to those moments of big decision-making, the overthinking is palpable. To some extent, we have relinquished any and all control over this part of us. Self-proclaimed overthinkers, born and bred.

I began to think about this (go figure) in great detail. What good does thinking everything to a pulp do? How is anyone benefitting from my internal monologue sounding off like a siren on steroids? And can we level for a second about this meditating thing??

The endless buzz of self-criticism, unwarranted commentary, and overbearing attention to the small things has been the prime cause of excessive stress in the minds of overthinkers. But what if it doesn’t have to have a negative connotation to it? What if we can —and hear me out— put a spin on the seemingly unspinnable?

Where were you when you had first realized how much of an overthinker you were? What had you accomplished prior to that point?

So often, we don’t realize that it is our overthinking that gives us these invaluable gifts. Gifts of thoughtfulness and perceptiveness. Inclinations to reflect and ponder and process situations to a t. In the midst of my mental hurricanes, I have become frustrated at myself. Annoyed that my mind goes to places that are too far to get a good hold on. Tired of the internal interrogation and just wanting for rest.

In hindsight though, I have realized that my overthinking has played a key role in becoming a more attentive friend, student, and leader. While I am nowhere near perfect, I am confident that my overthinking has led me to this version of myself that I have never before been. 

It challenges me to be extra mindful of who is listening. It tugs at my heartstrings to be appreciative of even the tiniest loves in life. It conducts its own audit of everything I said and did that day, and while cringeworthy to relive painfully awkward moments in my head, tells me where I went wrong and how I can do better next time.

So change the narrative.

Your daily dose of relentless pondering doesn’t have to always be a bad thing. Think about all the times it has given you lightbulb moments. Don’t waste it on a downwards spiral of negative self-talk after an embarrassing moment; instead, overthink the truth that nobody is thinking about you in that moment more than you are. 

And you have more to think about here.

One bajillion different ways to show appreciation for your friends, countless modern methods to cook classic recipes, new adventures to go on, endless stories to write about all the experiences you have overthought.

These kinds of things don’t think themselves up. They require that thorough kind of thinking, the kind that will account for every. single. detail. The special kind that comes naturally to those who seem to always be on.

For once, trust in your overthinking. Lean into the limitlessness of interpreting life as you uniquely see it.