Decision Making and overthinking
Deb (http://www.homelifesimplified.com.au/procrastination/) has done it again. Just when you think there are no more
surprises, Deb posts a challenge that has touched my very core – it’s almost as
if she knows me and is setting these challenges just for me.
Overthinking – besides making lists it is the thing I do the
most.
I’ve been thinking about this lately (no not overthinking it
this time) but actually wondering why I think too much. What is it – don’t I trust my judgement, lack
of confidence, too much time on my hands or is it just the way I am wired.
 |
| Which way is up? |
Looking back to move forward I’ve found something very
interesting – the big decisions come easier to me. I use a number of tools to help me with the
big decisions – pros and cons lists, asking advice and seeking
information. I am comfortable with my
decision making - the area I overthink is the everyday things, to be precise
the way I interact with people.
Although I am working on it I still struggle with what
people think of me especially at work. I overthink my words – making sure I
don’t sound silly, offend anyone, makes sense or just say too much. Mental
rehearsal is good but I overthink it and spend too much time on it. This stems
from a lack of confidence and in particular my ridiculous opinion that my
educational level is a disadvantage. The funny thing is that if I was to turn
around the situation and if this was about somebody else I would say
“balderdash” how silly – educational level has nothing to do with it, life
experiences, common sense, honesty, work ethic and ability is what
matters. So why don’t I think that about
myself?
It’s time I make some choices and have more confidence in
myself.
I am good at my job, I enjoy my job and my opinion is valued
– this is evidenced in many ways – feedback from bosses and colleagues. I just have to convince myself and remove my
roadblock.
I’ve made fantastic progress in other areas of my life I
have no doubt I will find a way to remove my roadblock or at the very least
identify my roadblock.
For a start I am going to embrace my abilities and trust
myself.
As I have been writing this post something occurred to me –
how much time do I waste on overthinking situations? I could achieve so much
more if I would just trust my instincts, 9 out of 10 times I usually go with my
first instinct anyway. Another thing has just occurred to me I am not a perfectionist,
I don’t need to be perfect in everything I do – I believe that mistakes are a
way of learning things and are important for our growth. So why don’t I speak freely, what does it
matter if I make a mistake and why do I overthink everything I do. OMG! The light bulb just went off.
My AH HA
moment
What does it matter if I make a mistake or if my decision is
wrong? Isn’t it worse if I don’t do anything at all – as long as I can justify
my decision shouldn’t that be enough?
It’s not as if I have my hand in somebody’s heart reviving them. My job is paperwork - what’s the worst that will happen?
I accept others mistakes and don’t hold it against them,
shouldn’t I expect to be treated the same. Allowing them to be accepting of my
mistakes. Oh yeah by the way – who says I will make mistakes.
The old lack of confidence raising its ugly head again –
always thinking I’m not good enough. This will stop and it will stop NOW!
By relieving the pressure I may just be opening myself up to
many new experiences and opportunities.
I know it won’t come easy, I know that it won’t happen
overnight but I also know I am ready to make the changes needed to move forward
on the next part of my journey.
I was going to make a plan, start a list, think about how I
will stop overthinking but well that would have defeated the purpose wouldn’t
it. So here is the plan – there will be
no plan. I am going to trust my
instincts, back myself and just go with the flow.
As soon as I find
myself overthinking I will stop and just do it. |
| There is a new day dawning! |
