Over-Thinking

I THINK THEREFORE I AM. But anything OVER- does you no good. I get into the 'over-thinking' mode a lot these days when I have all the time in my hands (I am unemployed at the moment) and my cerebral cortex is over-stimulated when I am not working or being productive.

Hence I set myself limits for thinking. For small matters, I give myself 30 seconds to make a decision. For bigger ones I give myself 30 minutes using an egg-timer. More often than not, I get something started on the spot without ruminating on whether I should do it or not; which is a waste of time anyway if whatever that is requires attention sooner or later.

And the culprit lies in the bounty of choices available to us. More and more people are getting analysis paralysis when we either make no choice or take ages to make a decision. We second-guess our decisions, and worry about making the 'wrong' ones. This ultimately leads to wasted time and lots of misery. I find it mentally exhausting and nerve wrecking in making choices modern life presents us on a daily basis. Have you ever wondered why shopping is such a tiresome activity?

With any choice, there will be multiple 'right' choices, depending on the circumstances, your personal requirement and other factors such as your financial situation. We can only make the best decision based on the information we have at the time.

I tend to stick to what I know best instead of trying out another brand or design. I go for chunky heels instead of wedges. I will shop around and talk to trusting salespeople about anything new and technologically advanced. I decided I don't need an i-phone after talking to my service provider. I give myself a deadline and make sure I come up with a decision which is indeed liberating. And I won't look back but live with my final decision, knowing that there is always better options I can't make for whatever reason.

You have a choice to choose!