Think deep-ly
A significant person in my life has said, more than a few times, that I tend to “overthink.” In an attempt to understand what that actually means--and if I do--I thought I’d…well…overthink the statement.
Overthinking gets a bad rap because it suggests excessive rumination or a paralysis caused by overanalyzing. It implies repetitive, circular thinking without resolution. It’s less about understanding and more about dwelling on possibilities (generally not good ones) that lead to mental fatigue rather than clarity.
What can I say? That ain’t me, babe.
One man’s “overthinking” is this woman’s deep thinking. (Oh, okay, usually, not always.) The distinction, to me, is clear. I don’t have to overthink it.
Deep thinking is deliberate, structured, and exploratory. It seeks to understand complexities, uncover insights, and develop well-reasoned conclusions. It asks why, how come, what if to gain clarity. Sure, sometimes this backfires. Sometimes these thoughts go down dark tunnels. Sometimes curiosity and diligence can lead to over-analysis. Sometimes the time spent on thinking is disproportionate to the (perceived) importance of the issues. Sometimes things are actually simple!
But.
Deep thinking is embedded in my personality and in my work. At least the best of my work.
And. What about this?
We rarely call out anyone for underthinking, even though it can lead to superficial interactions, poor decisions, oversights, or misunderstandings. Underthinking tends to fly under the radar because it often masquerades as quick-wittedness, decisiveness, and a cultural preference for action over reflection.
I believe I—all of us?—both overthink and underthink. The key is striking a balance. In thinking about this, I have resolved to ask myself, when deep in thought: Am I thinking to gain understanding or find solutions? (That’s deep thinking.) Or: Am I stuck in loops of doubt or worry built on, well, doubts and worry.
Image is mine: That invigorating, wet, slippery, awesome walk behind Lower South Falls (Silver Falls State Park).