how to STOP overthinking and not give a F***

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares personal insights on overcoming overthinking and worry. Drawing from their own experience, they offer practical strategies for rewiring thought patterns and gaining control over stressful situations. They emphasize the importance of accepting uncertainty, trusting oneself, and taking proactive steps to manage anxiety. The speaker introduces a five-step process for breaking free from maladaptive thought patterns, backed by examples of their own challenges and solutions. The video also touches on the benefits of therapy, with a focus on self-awareness and mental well-being.

Takeaways

• 😀 Overthinking is expelling energy on things that are out of your control and don't really matter.
• 😀 A key mindset for overcoming overthinking is to accept that 'what will be, will be.' If you can't change it, don't worry about it.
• 😀 Rewiring your thoughts is essential. A five-step process can help break maladaptive thought patterns and reduce overthinking.
• 😀 If something doesn’t matter in five years, it doesn’t matter now. This helps prioritize worries.
• 😀 Having a busy life and keeping your focus on meaningful things reduces time available for overthinking.
• 😀 Give yourself a time limit (e.g., 2 days) to overthink about a situation, then move on.
• 😀 Overthinking often stems from wanting control, especially when situations are unfamiliar or uncertain.
• 😀 Self-confidence and trust in yourself play a huge role in stopping overthinking. Reflect on past experiences where you handled challenges successfully.
• 😀 Therapy, such as BetterHelp, is recommended to help individuals rewire thought patterns and cope with overthinking.
• 😀 Writing down your worries, analyzing them, and creating backup plans help to put your mind at ease and stop excessive thinking.
• 😀 When you feel unsafe or anxious, remind yourself of your safety and resources. Understanding you're not in immediate danger helps calm the mind.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in this video?

The main topic of the video is how to stop overthinking and worrying, with tips and personal strategies shared by the speaker.

What is overthinking defined as in the video?

Overthinking is described as expelling energy on things that are out of your control and don’t really matter, often as a response to a lack of control or safety.

Why does the speaker believe they are qualified to talk about overthinking?

The speaker believes they are qualified because they have been a chronic worrier themselves, but have since learned how to stop overthinking and now feel they don’t overthink at all.

What are the key principles the speaker uses to manage overthinking?

The key principles include accepting that what will be will be, rewiring negative thoughts, focusing on things that truly matter, and avoiding unnecessary overanalysis.

How does the speaker suggest dealing with situations that might lead to overthinking?

The speaker suggests giving yourself a time limit, such as two days, to analyze a situation and then moving on from it, avoiding excessive rumination.

What role does confidence play in overcoming overthinking?

Confidence is important because trusting yourself to handle situations reduces the need to seek external advice or overanalyze, ultimately leading to less worry.

How does the speaker approach major decisions that could lead to overthinking?

When making major decisions, the speaker lists all possible things that could go wrong, then comes up with backup plans to mitigate those risks, helping them feel more in control.

What are the benefits of therapy according to the video?

Therapy is presented as a way to gain unbiased advice and support, with online services like BetterHelp offering a wide selection of licensed therapists for personalized help.

What is the five-step process to rewire negative thinking patterns?

The five steps include writing down what you’re stressed about, assessing the reality of the situation, finding solutions, reminding yourself that you're safe, and reflecting on positive thoughts.

What does the speaker mean by saying, 'If it doesn’t matter in 5 years, it doesn’t matter now'?

This phrase encourages focusing on long-term outcomes rather than getting caught up in short-term stress or worries that will likely have little impact in the future.