Taking action against unproductive overthinking

IF you let it, overthinking will repeatedly stand in your way and hold you back from making tangible progress in your career. This negative thinking pattern is a common problem, with studies showing that as many as 73% of adults aged between 25 and 35 would categorise themselves as chronic overthinkers.

- TIFFANY UMAN

For professionals, overthinking is often the underlying cause behind important career opportunities, actions and decisions being missed or deprioritised completely.

As you grow in your career and in the responsibilities of your roles, you will be expected to think quickly and act on your feet. Elite professionals are precise and sharp and rarely dwell on decision-making. Fortunately, there are some practical strategies you can implement to help you rise above overthinking.

Identify triggers

Begin by paying attention to the tasks or situations that trigger you. For example: in previous jobs, you've experienced toxic bosses who micromanaged your work. You now find yourself in a new organisation, new role or reporting to a far more effective manager yet you remain on edge all the time. An email from your new boss sets your mind reeling: What do they really want to know? Are they following up because I missed something I was supposed to do? Do they feel I'm not on top of my work? Maybe I should have emailed him/her an update first?

This pattern of thought is counterproductive and will not serve you in building the confidence you need to perform in your new role.