Seeking advice on overthinking about the smallest things
I somehow believe I overthink and worry too much into the things I want to do, that I ask myself a lot of questions, thinking about scenario that can “possibly” happen.
Pulling in a simple example, Lets say I want to get a contractor to install something at my toilet, can consider it as an upgrade.
I will overthink things like
1. what if the contractors comes at 5.45pm, when 6pm is the cut off for installation,
2. will they get denied entry by the security
3. what am i going to say to the security to convince them to let the contractors to continue.
4. when will they come back to install again,
5. do I need to take leave,
6. are they going to charge me extra for the 2nd trip.
7. If they can make it in time, (in terms of installation) where are they pulling the water from, how much changes are they going to make to the existing installation.
8. Are the changes going to look nice, if nice, how nice, what is the definition of nice..
9. if not nice, what do i need to do to make it look nice, how bad it is that installation is deemed as bad.
10. How about the old installation, are they going to throw it away for me,
11. where are they going to dispose it, a random place? then will anyone come look for me because my contractor did not dispose the waste material properly,
12. will i get fined.
13. am i going to claim the damage from the contractor,
14. what am i going to say to them to make them pay for the disposal.
15. if they refuse to dispose, where do i throw it at, do i have the capability to even dispose it away by myself,.
16. How are they pulling in the power to my installation, do I have an electrical outlet or any spare power lines above the partition.
17. What if the contractor say they are unable to install due to whatever reason, how am i going to make a decision.
18. if the size is wrong, then what can i do, rebuy the stuff, how much time it will take,
19. What should be the basis for my decision….
20. Am i going to engage another contractor (extra money) or what am i going to do.
It is just a trivial installation matter, which may eventually take about 2 hours or so. I will ask so many questions like these to myself and feel stressed when unable to answer them. So I will just start to worry worry worry.
Eventually, I will end up giving up on the idea and don’t dare to proceed, and forget about it.
I really just want to carry out my ideas without worrying so so so much stuff.
Netizens’ comments
This is definitely anxiety and it’s more common than you think! Some of us just mask it better.
Ignore the advice : “don’t overthink, just do it!” because they don’t understand our brains are wired differently.
What helps me sometimes would be someone else who reminds me that there are so many “what ifs” and those questions would only slow me down, and sometimes cutting your train of thoughts by focusing back on the goal helps too. I also redirect all the “what ifs” by planning and making plan Bs for different scenarios as well. It takes time and practice but gotta always keep in mind that action has to be made.
Lastly, if its too overwhelming, do seek some help!
Good luck!