Yesterday, I emailed about the Ship of Theseus Paradox.

Amongst the more considered replies, a reader wrote in with this gem:

It should be called the Sugababes Paradox.  Are they even the Sugababes when all the OGs left and started a new band?

To which I say:

You could go Round, Round and round again in circles with these brainteasers.

(that's one for the Sugababes fans)

Moving on quickly:

Something else which has a habit of going round & round, mercilessly teasing our brains?

Our thoughts.  Overthinking in particular.

Overthinking plays a part in everything from worry, FOMO & procrastination, to getting more clarity & direction.

And it can be difficult to shake.

The reason why?

Overthinking seems like a really good idea.  Somehow it feels important, even vital, despite the unpleasant side effects.  

This is why telling yourself to “stop overthinking” is like telling yourself to stop drinking water.  No-one will ever stop doing something which seems so essential.

Truth is, overthinking isn’t just unhelpful but it's often causing a lot of the problems which the overthinking itself is trying to cure.

(the way we humans accidentally shoot ourselves in the foot sometimes really is barmy)

So if overthinking isn’t your friend, it could be worth considering questions like these:

Is your overthinking motivating you – or is it overwhelming you?

Is your overthinking making you feel like you’re in control – or is it controlling you?

And is your overthinking allowing to you perform at your best – or is it getting in the way of that?

My own experience is that less overthinking can bring a freshness, humour and presence.  Whereas more overthinking can turn these princesses into pumpkins.  

And seeing this helps make it easier to let go of overthinking.

Not because you’ll be “better” at overthinking less.  But because it simply won't look like a good idea any more, so you’ll start doing it less.

One way to shed more light on this is by exploring these ideas through coaching.

Even just a couple of sessions could be enough to push the button on your “overthinking switch” today, tomorrow and for weeks & months to come.

If you’re interested:

https://waitinglist.followingfulfilment.com

That’s all for today.

- Tom