Reflecting vs overthinking

Edition #52

There's a thin line between the two.

Reflecting is picking a thought, analyzing it, listing some action items and letting that thought go.

Overthinking is picking a thought, analyzing it, worrying about things you can't control and holding on to that thought.

Thoughts could range from about anything to everything:

Why did my friend do this to me?

Why doesn't success come to me, no matter how hard I try?

What's the purpose of life?

If you’re like most people—including me—you will end up overthinking rather than reflecting on such thoughts. Nobody wants to do it, but everyone does it. Some do less than others.

We can't stop our brain to ponder over thoughts, but we can choose to overthink or to reflect. I recently realized the impact our environment has when we make that decision. An environment that hinders overthinking and is conducive for reflecting will do the job.

Travelling solo in trains is one such environment for me. How so?

Your co-passengers in a train come from all walks of life. You may find a couple giggling and enjoying each other’s company, a student studying for an upcoming examination, young parents taking care of their kid, or a middle-aged uncle just looking through the window.

All this sows seeds for so many thoughts. You can reflect on what you're doing in your life and what you can do next to make it better. Moreover, there are so many thoughts, that you just can’t overthink any of them! That's why I love travelling in trains. Not only do you get to meet a variety of people, you get an environment to reflect. It’s just like mediation- analyzing and letting go. Not surprisingly, I come out of a train with a much sorted mind compared to when I enter it.

Going on morning walks alone is another such environment for me. What are such environments for you? Environments where you are present physically, but lost in the wilderness of your thoughts?

Let me know in the comments!

Quote of the week

Author Darius Foroux on taking action on our thoughts:

Knowing yourself is step one. Step two is acting on that knowledge.

Get 1% better ❤

What small action can you take now?

Until next week, ✌

Jainuine