How to Halt the Madness of Over-Thinking: Processing Series
Swirling thoughts can be jsut as disruptive as negative emotions. Over-thinking has become a national passtime. We can wonder about ourselves and if we are doing the right thing(s). We can become consumed with what others are thinking about us. We can even obsess about the past and get caught up in "what if" syndrome.
Living in a state of over-concern is taxing not only on our mind, but also takes its toll on our body and on our relationships. Over-thinking robs us of living in the now because we are trying on scenarios for the future and the past instead of enjoying the moments.
Procssing over-thinking can take some mental training, but it is quite possibly one the best investments you can make with your time and energy. The ROI is worth the effort!
Whether you are the one with the over-thinking issue or you are coming alongiside someone in a coaching relationship, here are some steps you can take to help you in the process of taking back control of your thoughts when they get demanding.
1) Learn to recognize patterns. If you are working through the same questions over and over it's time to plant a stake in the ground and stop the madness.
2) Define the question. Are working through a "what-if" from your past? Do you have a concern about a decision you are making? Is there a relational dilemma that needs clarity?
3) Consider your options. Here are some possibilities:
- Consider if a request for forgiveness would resolve that recurring "what-if", maybe from God and/or from another person.
- If you are working through making a decision, good coaching could make all the difference.
- Work through a crucial conversation with someone if there is a relational disconnect.
- Forgive. Choose to let it go, just like Jesus did for you.
- Decide to think about whatever it is at a later date, maybe after a certain season is over, or an accomplishment is complete, maybe on a set aside evening or weekend on your own or with someone.
4) Set it and forget it. (Who remembers that old saying? I'm not even sure what that commercial was advertisiig, but the saying stuck!) Basically, decide how you want to deal with whatever you are struggling with over-thinking and then when the pattern comes again, remind yourself of your decision and stick with it.
Also, if it isn't working, try somehing new.
"If you always t]do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got."
Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect."
James 1:5, "But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom without criticizing you."
God wants to be with you in your journey! Good coaching helps you discern what He is saying!