A few weeks ago I saw a post by Mark Elliott, co-founder of Startup School for Seniors, on LinkedIn: Do you OverThink Things? I read the piece and thought about it. I thought about it all over the weekend. And then I finally replied ‘I have been thinking about your post since I read it, so I think, yes, I am an over thinker…’

And ever since I have been ruminating on overthinking. In the past (on CVs, for example) I have styled myself a deep thinker. And I think this is true. Faced with a problem or dilemma, I will consider it from all angles, think about consequences and impacts beyond what might seem the immediate and obvious solution. This can be a strength, for example when resolving data issues where multiple systems and interfaces are involved in the data’s journey (yes, I used to work in this field). Before offering an opinion on an exhibition or similar cultural experience I need to reflect and mull over how it has made me feel, what I have drawn from the encounter. I think this is part of the reason that I’m often quiet in workshops (a big no-no) as I’m weighing up what impact the work under discussion has on me. Again, I don’t personally see this as problematic.

But overthinking – yes, I recognise this in myself. Thinking over and over I should contact so-and-so about this-and that. But not actually doing it. Writing lists and rewriting them weeks later with many of the same to-do tasks. Why do I do this? Fear of failure, fear of rejection, all that kind of stuff. But also habit, a hard habit to break. In response to my comment on his post, Mark asked me ‘So what is your next step you are going to take today (or tomorrow)?’ The first step for me is recognising my tendency to overthink, and then trying to nip it in the bud when I realise I’m doing it. This morning, once again, I was thinking about overthinking, and that perhaps I could write a post about it. And now I have struck that hot iron of a thought!