Most people who have developed a tendency to overthink and subsequent difficulty with decision making have acquired this habit in childhood. As children, we are incredibly vulnerable and dependent on our caregivers for literally everything. We also don't yet possess those coping mechanisms to deal with uncertainty in an appropriate manner. The more we react to a situation by overthinking as a way to self-soothe the more deeply ingrained this coping mechanism becomes.
Overthinking can sometimes feel like an endless mental maze that we're trapped in. This tendency to overthink can also lead to chronic indecisiveness and obsessive acknowledgement of the opinions of others. But overthinking is much more common that when we think, and may actually indicate a greater sense of self awareness and emotional intelligence. In this episode we explore why we have a tendency to overthink, from the illusion of control, to perfectionism, childhood learning and the link to ADHD and depressive rumination. We'll also dive into the strategies and ways we can control our overthinking and become better decision makers without needing to consider every outcome or ruminate for days. This episode is for all my fellow chronic overthinkers, listen now!
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