Overthinking
September 1, 2026
What Are You Asking Thinking to Give You?
Overthinking can continue long after we have enough information because we're no longer searching for an answer. We may be searching for certainty, reassurance, or a guarantee that nothing will go wrong.

Good decision-making requires thought.
Overthinking can look almost identical from the outside.
Both can involve gathering information, considering consequences, questioning assumptions, and examining options.
The difference can be found in what you're expecting the thinking to accomplish.
“I need enough information to make a thoughtful decision” has a stopping point.
“I need to know this is the right decision” may not.
At some point, another analysis isn't improving the decision.
It's attempting to remove the discomfort of not knowing.
That's a self-leadership distinction worth recognizing:
Am I still looking for useful information, or am I looking for a guarantee?