Four Strategies To Stop Overthinking
What is Overthinking?
Overthinking is thinking deeply about what you will do next to an extreme point where you don't take action.
So many people overthink to the point that they do not set goals; they 'psych themselves out' by overthinking. However, overthinking can also affect us while striving toward our goals.
Recently, on March 23rd, I weighed myself. I was excited when the scale read 213.6 lbs that early morning. The hard work paid off, and I was on the right track.
In January, I started this journey of becoming a healthier version. That month, I increased my water intake and adjusted my sleeping habits. By the end of January, I went from 220 to 215 lbs.
In February, my weight stagnated. I started going to the gym four days a week on February 6th, but by the end of the month, I was 215 lbs. I was frustrated, but I kept going.
On March 18th, I started waking up and doing 10 minutes on the elliptical, followed by an ab workout that takes 10-15 minutes. I tell you, I was so delighted when on March 23rd, I stood on the scale, and it read 213.6 lbs, you would have thought I won the lottery, and I don't even play the lottery!
However, despite my happiness, by the start of April, I was at 215 lbs. I started overthinking.
Another word for overthinking is rumination.
Rumination is dwelling on negative thoughts and setbacks.
How do we combat overthinking and stay focused on our goal?
1. Acknowledge negative thinking.
I realized I wasn't being kind to myself in this process; the scale only tells half the story. Upon comprehending this, I now had to make some changes; positive action is the only way to confront negative talk.
2. Switch into problem-solving mode and have a goal-setting session.
So, I called up my doctor and asked for a referral to a nutritionist. We also discussed the results I have been experiencing since using the CPAP, and I've got some tests coming up - this will allow me to take a look under the hood. I then reviewed my goal of waking up early. Could I do anything there to give me more of an advantage in my workouts? The answer was yes. So, I pushed the alarm clock back from 6:30 to 6:25 am. The aim is that I will continue to move it back just 5 minutes every other week until I wake up at 5 am; this allows me more time to work out, journal, and focus on myself before the hustle and bustle of the day.
3. Celebrate Small Victories
I am not where I want to be, but I am also not where I was at the start of the year! So often, we forget to celebrate our wins, and in this case, I had to acknowledge that, indeed, I have come a long way in just four months.
4. Visualize Your Success
After acknowledging that I had been overthinking this process, not celebrating the wins, and implementing some adjustments, I began to visualize. By visualizing my success, I returned to my core value and why I started this process, legacy, and, yes, six-pack abs. I began to see myself in the physical shape I wanted to be. As springtime is upon us, I can imagine the energy I will have from the work I have been doing to be able to run, jog, hop, and skip with my kids.
The journey toward accomplishing your goal may be long, but when overthinking, remember to take a step back, acknowledge negative thinking, switch into problem-solving mode, have a goal-setting session, celebrate small victories, and visualize your success. Remember, you are closer to the person you wish to be than to who you once were.
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