Ryan Brassard ’30
Staff Writer
Sometimes, we might be unsure of ourselves. Similarly, we might also second-guess our actions when we’re uncertain. Some of us may even fold altogether and cave in from an overwhelming amount of fear or a lack of confidence in a situation. This is completely normal. We overthink all the time, and I’m sure many of us do it one way or another, depending on how our lives are structured. But many people say overthinking is bad for us; is it always? What if, sometimes, it can actually be good for us? How might it actually support our lives?
We often associate overthinking with the idea that it makes life unnecessarily harder. It can cause stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights. Thinking too much about things we cannot control can leave us exhausted and drained. While I agree this is true, I feel that overthinking is not always the enemy within. Instead, it may simply mean that we care about something passionately to the point where we want to think about it more deeply.
Consider this: when we overthink an important decision, we are usually trying to understand the possible outcomes. I mean, as college students, we constantly think about making choices that could affect our future, right? We may think: What courses should I take? What career path do I want to pursue? Am I making my parents proud? Yes, these questions are overwhelming, but they can push us to help us understand ourselves better. Thinking carefully and cautiously before making a decision can also prevent us from acting on impulse, leading us to not likely have future regret. Socially, overthinking can make us more aware of others’ feelings. For example, after a conversation with a friend, we may wonder if our words hurt them or if something we said came across the wrong way. While we should not assume that every little thing we do is a mistake, reflecting on our actions can help us become more aware and considerate, no matter if those actions were kind or rude. It allows us to recognize our mistakes and build character, but we also learn how to treat others in a better manner.
But when does overthinking become a problem? I think the difference lies between thinking to understand and thinking to punish ourselves. There is no harm in reviewing or deeply processing a situation and learning from it. But the problem begins when we continuously replay the same thoughts without finding any answers. We start creating problems that may not exist, and we start building unnecessary, artificial restraints that hold us back. That is when our minds become the source of our stress. However, we can learn how to manage it. That is when we ask ourselves, “Is there something I can actually do about this?” If yes, then we must take action. If not, then it is best to let go and move on. But remember, not every question needs an immediate answer, and not every situation needs to be figured out right away. Overthinking allows us to step back and actually evaluate the situation or issue first.
Being someone who thinks hard, long, and deeply is not a weakness. It can mean that we are thoughtful, careful, and willing to understand things beyond the surface as they appear. But I emphasize that we must remember that our thoughts are meant to help us live, not stop us from living. So yes, overthinking can be good, as long as we know when to stop. Life is complicated for us all in different ways, so it is good to really sit down and think things through. We don’t have to silence our minds completely; we just have to learn to listen to them and know when to give ourselves a breather. The goal is not necessarily to think less, but to think in a way that helps us grow.
Image courtesy of Thrive Global
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