How to Overthink
Overthinking comes naturally to most. We don't really need a script to amp ourselves up for an emotionally crippling situation. But, just in case you don't know, here's how to overthink...
Overthinking Summary
People who overthink tend to rely more heavily on abstract ideas versus concrete objectives.
Overthinking lends itself to logical fallacies and should be viewed more as an umbrella term to describe falling into logical traps
Identify the logical fallacy and follow its remedy
Overthinking is the unproductive art of investing too much time or resources into a decision. It’s so much more than just “thinking too much.” If only it were that simple.
If only we could measure our thoughts and draw the necessary dose for clarity.
“Ah, just a smidge more thought and I’ll have the answer.”
What I’ve found over the years teaching is that those who overthink tend to gravitate towards abstract concepts more than concrete facts or options.
Novice Learning
This idea took me years as a teacher, paramedic, and now homeschooler to realize: novices need greater knowledge in fundamental facts over abstract concepts.
The main issue with test anxiety or decision making wasn’t the lack of knowledge but rather the confidence in it.
New learners’ tendency to overthink has more to do with their reliance on trying to grasp abstract concepts rather than focus on the facts in front of them. It’s the forest for the trees problem.
It’s the difference between talking about a dollar bill (concrete) or discussing money (abstract).
It’s the difference between knowing about blood pressure findings (concrete) and cardiac output (abstract).
Good learners know the fundamentals; great ones master them.
The fundamentals are the basic terminology, processes, and facts associated with any given topic.
Share the wealth. You know a student, colleague, or friend who could really use this insight. Click below and help them out of their overthinking ways…
Overthinking is Just a Mask
Overthinking isn’t a benign problem. The consequences range from exam failures to decision making inabilities.
Overthinking is a mask. Once you identify HOW you’re overthinking, you’ll know exactly how to deal with it.
Here are just some of the common logical fallacies and strategies to overcome them. Number 2 is one I struggled with for a long time…
1. Confirmation Bias
Fallacy: Focusing only on information that confirms your preexisting beliefs or worries.
Strategy: Actively seek out information that challenges your assumptions. Consider multiple perspectives and evidence before drawing conclusions.
2. Catastrophizing
Fallacy: Assuming the worst-case scenario is the most likely outcome.
Strategy: Practice realistic thinking. Evaluate positive and negative outcomes.
3. Perfectionism
Fallacy: Believing that if something can't be perfect, it's not worth doing at all.
Strategy: Embrace the idea of "good enough." Perfection is often unattainable and subjective. Focus on progress over flawless.
4. Overgeneralization
Fallacy: Drawing sweeping conclusions based on a single event or a limited set of examples.
Strategy: Look for counterexamples and consider the broader context before making generalizations.
5. Emotional Reasoning
Fallacy: Believing that your emotions reflect objective reality.
Strategy: Recognize that emotions can be misleading and influenced by biases. Separate your feelings from the facts. Consider the facts. If you’re unable to, find a friend who can.
6. Black-and-White Thinking (All-or-Nothing Thinking):
Fallacy: Seeing things in terms of extremes, with no middle ground or nuance.
Strategy: Embrace shades of gray. Recognize that most situations are complex and allow for multiple possibilities or outcomes.
7. Hindsight Bias
Fallacy: Believing that you "knew it all along" after an event has occurred.
Strategy: Acknowledge that your current knowledge and perspective may be influencing your judgment. Avoid retroactively changing your beliefs to fit the outcome.
8. Analysis Paralysis
Fallacy: Overthinking to the point of inaction or decision paralysis.
Strategy: Set time limits for decision-making and stick to them. Break complex problems into smaller, manageable steps, and prioritize actions over endless analysis.
9. Selective Attention
Fallacy: Focusing only on specific details while ignoring the bigger picture.
Strategy: Practice mindfulness and awareness. Step back to view the situation from a broader perspective, and consider how all relevant factors interact.
10. Sunk Cost Fallacy
Fallacy: Continuing to invest time, money, or effort in something because you've already invested a lot, even when it's not serving your goals.
Strategy: Evaluate decisions based on their current and future value, not past investments. Be willing to cut your losses if necessary.
11. Mind Reading
Fallacy: Believing you know what others are thinking or that they have negative thoughts about you without evidence.
Strategy: Communicate openly with others to clarify their thoughts and feelings. Avoid making assumptions about what people think without direct feedback.
