Over(ly) Thinking

Overthinking...

I imagine we have all experienced overthinking... myself included, both as an athlete and as a coach. It resonates in the workplace and boardroom too. It could be an upcoming presentation, speech, employee disciplinary, promotion, appraisal, meeting or something much more rudimental.

I spoke to my wife recently about something similar which reminded me of my wedding speech. While I don't shy away from public speaking, I have a very human anxiety about it - Everyone we love is in the room, what if I mess it up? What if I am so nervous I can't speak? It's a big moment in my life...etc. I remember trying to think clearly, sticking to two or three principles which would be the foundation of a nerveless and purposeful speech. It worked. I owned my thinking and behaviours.

A sports psychologist once said this to me - "Simply clarify your thinking... What is the one thing you need to think about?" Salient advice, it helped focus the mind... Is it always that easy? Probably not. Mindset and behavioural skills need practice and space. So ask yourself...

What sort of environment are you creating to develop your self?

Are you aware of your own thinking?

Can you challenge your thinking in a safe space?

What happens to your thinking in times of stress or high pressure?

Experience comes into the equation to some extent, naturally narrowing the important thoughts into a hierarchy. However, overthinking is a habit.

How do you change a habit? (Can you change a habit?) In sports coaching terms you would practice and create a new, better habit. After all - we aren't computers, we can't simply put software in the recycling bin.

Think with clarity and purpose.