Do you ever find yourself overthinking, overplanning, or overanalyzing things? Do you often feel overwhelmed by the choices and information that surround you? If so, you might be suffering from what I like to call “the overs.”
But don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with this overwhelming need for certainty in our lives.
Our brains are wired to seek out certainty and safety. It’s a natural instinct that goes back to our ancestors who needed to know if that rustling in the bushes was a potential threat or just the wind. In today’s modern world, this need for certainty still drives us. We want to know that our jobs are secure, our relationships are stable, and our futures are predictable.
However, in our pursuit of certainty, we often go overboard. We overthink every decision, from what to have for breakfast to major life choices. We overplan our schedules, leaving no room for spontaneity. We overanalyze every situation, trying to predict every possible outcome. And we overcompensate for our fears and insecurities, sometimes to the detriment of our well-being.
But there’s another aspect of this behavior that often goes unnoticed – overachieving. Many of us feel the pressure to not only meet but exceed expectations, whether they are set by ourselves or society. This drive to overachieve can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a constant sense of inadequacy, perpetuating the cycle of “the overs.”
The digital age has only amplified this problem. We are bombarded with an abundance of choices, information, and constant comparisons through social media. This constant exposure to the highlight reels of other people’s lives can make us feel inadequate and uncertain about our own. It’s no wonder that many of us find ourselves drowning in the sea of “overs.”
So, what can we do to break free from this cycle of overthinking, overplanning, and overachieving? One approach is to embrace the non-dual perspective, a concept rooted in Eastern philosophy. Instead of viewing things in black and white, right or wrong, good or bad, we can learn to accept the gray areas of life. Not everything has to be certain or uncertain; some things can simply be as they are.
Buddhism teaches us about the Middle Way, a path of balance and moderation. It encourages us to find the middle ground between extremes. Instead of always seeking absolute certainty, we can learn to navigate the uncertainties of life with grace and equanimity.
Another powerful practice is to allow life to unfold without judgment. Instead of constantly trying to control every aspect of our lives, we can learn to let go and trust that things will work out as they should. This doesn’t mean being passive or careless; it means finding a sense of peace in the midst of uncertainty.
In conclusion, if you find yourself suffering from a bad case of “the overs,” know that you’re not alone. The need for certainty is a natural part of being human, and the drive to overachieve is a common response to it. But it doesn’t have to control our lives. By embracing non-dual thinking, practicing the Middle Way, and allowing life to unfold without judgment, we can find a sense of peace and balance in our increasingly uncertain world.
So, the next time you catch yourself overthinking, overanalyzing, or overachieving, master your mindset take a deep breath and remember that sometimes, it’s okay to let life be just as it is.
