Note 008
Can I let you in on something?
As your resident overthinker…
I know exactly how your mind works.
Because mine works the same way.
We can create an entire conversation before it even happens.
Matter of fact, we don’t just create it.
We cast the characters.
Write the script.
Pick the location.
Decide what everyone’s wearing.
And somehow…we already know who’s going to win the argument.
You know exactly what I’m talking about.
“He better not call me because if he says this…”
“I’m going to tell him…”
“And then he’s going to say…”
“And when he does…”
“…I’m going to say this.”
Meanwhile…
The phone hasn’t even rung.
Or maybe you’re driving to a family gathering.
You’ve already decided who’s going to make the slick comment.
Who’s going to get on your nerves.
Who’s going to ask the question you don’t want to answer.
By the time you pull into the driveway, you’re emotionally exhausted…
…from an argument that hasn’t even happened.
Now don’t act like I’m the only one.
We’re all friends here.
As overthinkers, we have a gift.
Yes, I said gift.
We have incredible imaginations.
We can see possibilities.
We can connect dots.
We can think ten steps ahead.
The problem isn’t that we think deeply.
The problem is where we direct those thoughts.
So let me ask you something.
If you’re capable of overthinking yourself into stress…
Why can’t you overthink yourself into hope?
If you can spend thirty minutes imagining the worst-case scenario…
Why not spend thirty minutes imagining the best one?
Imagine paying off the debt.
Imagine taking the trip you’ve always dreamed about.
Imagine making the difficult phone call and it going better than you expected.
Imagine finally cleaning out that closet you’ve been avoiding.
Imagine applying for the job.
Imagine starting the business.
Imagine walking into the interview with confidence.
Imagine forgiving yourself.
Imagine waking up tomorrow believing something good could happen.
Our minds are powerful.
The stories we tell ourselves matter.
And sometimes I wonder if we’ve underestimated our own ability to think ourselves into courage.
No, positive thinking doesn’t magically erase life’s challenges.
Bills still exist.
Hard conversations still need to happen.
Life still surprises us.
But our mindset changes how we walk through those moments.
Maybe that’s the note I wanted to leave with you today.
You already know how to overthink.
You’ve had years of practice.
Now practice overthinking the possibilities.
Practice imagining peace.
Practice expecting growth.
Practice believing that things can work out.
If your imagination is powerful enough to convince you of problems that don’t exist yet…
Just imagine what it could do if you pointed it toward hope instead.
A Note for Today
Your mind is always telling a story. Make sure it’s one that’s helping you move forward instead of holding you back.
A Little Something to Think About…
The next time you catch yourself rehearsing the worst-case scenario, pause and ask yourself: “What if this turns out better than I’m expecting?” Spend five minutes imagining that version instead.
Until the next note,
Your Resident Overthinker
Overthinker’s Notes 