Some of us tend to „analyse” some issues from many angles, over and over again. We worry about the possible bad outcome of any decision or just worry „in advance” about future events.

Most of these events will never happen. Lack of proper, timely decisions, will lead to frustration and generally, we might miss the chances, if stuck in a vicious circle of our thoughts.

How to avoid overthinking, and worries and be able to do quick and smart decisions?

1. Don’t worry in advance

A future is not certain and there are 50/50 chances that instead of bad events, something good will happen. To spot such chance from the universe, you should practice positive thinking and mindset. This will help you to see opportunities. Most „bad events” might never happen. It is good to prepare financially for uncertain times, but otherwise, stop thinking about all catastrophes and focus on „now and here”.

2. You can’t make a different decision without extra knowledge

Overthinking on daily basis is useless if you don’t add extra factors to it. Broadening your knowledge on a certain topic can help and might give you an extra dimension, needed to make a proper move. If you have a problem, research this topic. Chances are, that someone already found a solution, even a few or more centuries ago. Do not reinvent the wheel, especially in times, when with a few clicks on the Internet you can access necessary knowledge and wisdom.

3. Set a timer to „think” about your problems

If you can’t stop thinking about something, set a timer for ten minutes, and whirl these issues through your mind. Ten minutes is enough, with all your mind tools and wisdom, to either find a solution or decide to look for it „outside” of your fatigued brain.

4. Brainstorm ideas on the paper

Take a piece of paper and write down ten solutions to solve your problem, even if they might seem to be silly. Then evaluate each idea and develop it into three extra solutions.

5. Ask for help

There are many institutions and charities, which can help you sort out your problems. In business tasks, it is good to find a mentor or put a question in the theme forum on the Internet. In the last instance, be careful about whose advice you are listening to.

6. Go for a walk

The best ideas were invented during a long walk in nature. It will soothe your worried mind and give a different perspective.

7. Distract yourself from overthinking

Find a new hobby and passion, where you will focus your thoughts and actions, especially when your „problem” relies on other people’s decisions. Physical exercises are good in any case, they will improve your mood and can cost nothing. Take a look at workouts on YouTube for example.

8. Do the best decision you can — now

Decisions are not always final. Make your own, and adjust it during the process. Even bad decisions are better than no decisions at all. You can correct it or change it, but you put yourself in action mode, which is more healthy than torturing yourself with overthinking.

9. Stop thinking about small things

Make a list of „small issues” and sort it out as soon as possible. Don’t melt it and grind it in your mind forever. Take a proper perspective, on what is important in your life, and what is not.

10. Don’t overthink events which didn’t happen yet.

It makes no sense to think over and over again about something, which didn’t happen yet. Prepare yourself, if such events might worsen your situation, and are on the horizon, but don’t torture yourself and spoil „today” for the sake of an unknown future.

Let me know in the comment if this was useful to you. Share this article with this „overthinking friend” as well.