how to NOT complicate things by over-thinking?

Question

Some things should be that direct. But why do I always over-think and over-complicate things? in the end, i am so confused by my thoughts and the possibilities that I end up making hte wrong decisions or delay too much

Answer 1

Experienced based instincts can go a long way for you. What works for me is asking myself am I ready to live with the results of my decision versus stressing over the decision itself. If you can accept the consequences of the choice, then make it and let the chips fall where they may. Some things in life are impossible to know (new job, how will the manager be) and so forth. I try not to assume the worst and prepare myself (mentally) to accept the consequences. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

i have learned to ask myself this simple question, "Is this true, or am i making it up?" this way i either need to go to the source and get a direct answer or make the decision that it may all be in my mind and let go of it. sometimes we need to just let go, otherwise we can become obsessed with fixing something or trying to get it perfect, or working so hard to find the right answer that the initial question/concern becomes lost or twisted. i have ADD and over-think things and make things more complicated than necessary. i have been given much advice, but i found it helpful not only to ask myself the above stated question, but also to take a mental step back and check in with myself. ask myself how important is this topic? will i die if i can't find the perfect answer? more than likely, no, you won't die. the anxiety we cause ourselves by over-thinking things can give us more stress than the situation affords. try taking a mental step back and re-assessing each situation before plunging into over-thinking. this is what i have found to help me. Good luck! :)

Answer 3

Analyze your priorities, make a list of goals that are sustainable (reachable). Don't panic or worry about things you have no or little control over. As for making wrong decisions, we all do it and have done it and will do so in the future. That's called a learning curve. That's how we learn from our errors. Don't fret. Again, just worry about things you can control, and don't expect perfection. You'll be fine.

Answer 4

ask others what they would do. You'll realize that you're smarter than the average person and you need to dumb things down a bit. You probably also have high standards if you're not a perfectionist. Sometimes, you just have to tell yourself that you're over thinking it and it really isn't that hard. I have received the same feedback from relationships to work, and it really is just a matter of realizing that you're putting too much brain power in it...say it outloud, break it down, and tackle it in steps.

"All things being equal, the simplest solution tends to be the best one." <-----Ockham's Razor

Answer 5

I do that myself. It's a sign of intelligence through experience.
It's annoying, but it's part of our structure. We would go nuts playing "Deal or No Deal".

lol

Answer 6

focus on the situation

if it helps write down your ideas so you wont over think. list the pros and cons in a table and compare them. erase unnecessary ideas.