Underthink It

Overthinking keeps us stuck in our minds, going over the plan, strategising over and over, trying to think about and plan for the steps ahead, only to take a step and be met with problems or new avenues we could have never planned or prepared for. Overthinking gives us a sense of control over the world. We tell ourselves we need to have this figured out before that, but when we actually get to those bridges we’ve been obsessing over, we often find they don’t even exist. The problem we thought we had to solve? It might not even be the one we face.

Some of the most successful people who have openly shared their lives and progress have one unusual thing in common: they literally take it easy. They seem so much more stress-free and hassle-free than the worried-sick, overthinking, “everything-is-a-struggle” type, whose lives often reflect just that, a struggle. It’s hard to fathom that success and abundance can be attained through ease, fun, creativity, and openness, with the help of the universe, God, or a higher power, whatever name you want to give it. It’s there, always working with you and through you. We are mere channels through which creativity is expressed.

Those of us stuck in our heads, overthinking and ruminating, are also experiencing negativity biases, pessimism, and imaginary problems before they even arise. What we can do is embody the energy we’re trying to cultivate and carry within us long-term: the feelings of ease, wonder, imagination, and faith that the next steps will reveal themselves. Problem-solving becomes an exploration, an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and discover new adventures.

Being a radiant, hopeful, optimistic person who relies on openness and ease is a balance, a play between push and pull, give and take. So, next time you’re overthinking, stop and underthink it. Give it the same amount of thought a child would. What’s the first step? Take it. What’s the simplest way to go about the thing you’re overthinking? What is your gut telling you? Deep down, you already know the answers, you just have to get really good at listening, even if you don’t like hearing them.

Put your ego, pretension, and seriousness aside. Work with openness, creativity, and playfulness. A sense of wonder, what would happen if I did this? What if I started this? What if I went about it like this instead of that? The possibilities are endless. Find the balance. Don’t let your mind overrun your world. It’s working too hard, and it’s working alone. Ease up, take that first step, and trust that the universe will meet you halfway.