At a personal level, analysis paralysis has detrimental effects. The worst decision you could make is not making a decision at all. Trust me, I know, I can be the worst decision-maker at times, but I’ve become a whole lot better (thank goodness!). I’ve come to realise that choosing something, and sticking to it, is a whole lot better than sitting around pondering your options. But I’m not talking about poor-decision making here; I’m talking about the dangers of over-analysing.
Side Effects
Over analysing conversations you’ve had with people, going through the dialogue in your head, we’ve all been there. Probably more so, when they are someone we actually have a crush on or are interested in. But I’ve discovered that it’s not healthy to over-analyse nor is it beneficial for your sleep. Spending precious sleeping minutes going through the pros and cons of what he said and what you said isn’t going to make the situation any clearer, you’ll only be left more confused and perplexed than before. Chances are, if you have to stop and ask yourself if you are over-thinking something, you probably are.
Give up Your Right to Understand
I do love a good deep analysis every now and then, trying to discover the deeper motives behind the actions of people, the reasons for why people do the things they do, but taking it to the extreme just wears me out. I’d rather be content without the need to understand every little thing, rather than frustrated and puzzled while nitpicking every single detail. It’s exhausting! By giving up my ‘right’ to understand everything, and choosing not to dive into the deep and meaningful pool every now and then, I’m a lot more at peace in my circumstances.
“…I’m afraid if you look at a thing long enough; it loses all of its meaning” – Andy Warhol
I think it’s also important not to dwell in those ‘pools’ of over analysis either. If you have something that is on your mind, letting it sit there can only build fear or confusion, but dealing with it constructively and productively can put your mind at peace. If you are confused or need to ask a question, do it! If you’re a verbal processor talk to your boyfriend/girlfriend, or friend. If you want to know the answer, ask the question. Other options could be writing a journal, listening to music, or one of my favourites, going for a run (or some form of exercise). I have the best ideas and thought processes when I’m exercising. If you’re a natural over-thinker (you’re not alone), it’s not a bad thing. Be proud of who you are! But it’s important not to let your thoughts be controlled by fear, fear of not understanding a situation, or of the possible consequences of different decisions. Peace will come when you give up your right to understand.
Over-Thinking Can Lead to Negative Thoughts
By over-analysing relationships or conflict, sometimes we begin to create problems in our head that weren’t existent in the first place! Over-thinking can ruin you; it can ruin your situation and twist things into uncomfortable shapes. It can make you worry, and make things seem so much worse than they actually are. It is no surprise that negative thoughts develop when we are looking at a situation, a relationship, or a person from every single angle, turning it inside out and critiquing every inch. There is a negative side to every situation, the art is not letting those negative factors overpower and dominate over the positive factors.
We spend too much time over-analysing, over-thinking and over-reacting. Sometimes it is best just to stop thinking so thoroughly and to go with the flow. If something feels right in your gut, it quite possibly is. Sometimes all we need to do is stop analysing the present so much, stop planning the future so thoroughly, stop figuring out precisely how we feel, and just see what happens.
If you could see how it all turns out,
If you could trace back every twist and turn,
You would be free from all the fear and doubt,
And just live through the lessons you learn.
Though it’s easier said than done…
To make sense of it all.
You don’t have to figure it out all at once,
Just rise every time you fall.
- Doe Zantamata