Paolo, you often emphasize the distinction between "overthinking" and "thinking too much." Could you explain the difference between the two and what approach you suggest we take?

Ah, yes, the subtle but crucial difference between "overthinking" and "thinking too much." It's one of those distinctions that really matters but often gets overlooked. Let’s break it down because understanding this difference can change the way you navigate challenges and make decisions in life.

Overthinking is when your mind gets trapped in an endless loop of doubt, fear, or anxiety. It’s that repetitive cycle where you’re replaying scenarios over and over, analyzing every possible outcome, worrying about things you can’t control, and second-guessing your every thought. Overthinking isn’t just about spending a lot of time thinking; it’s about spending that time in a way that’s unproductive and often self-sabotaging. It’s when your thinking leads to paralysis, not action. You’re stuck in a maze of your own making, unable to move forward because you’re too busy trying to predict every variable, avoid every mistake, and find the perfect solution—which, let’s be honest, rarely exists.

Now, thinking too much is different. Thinking too much can actually be valuable. It’s about thoroughly processing information, considering multiple angles, and taking the time to think deeply about an issue. This kind of thinking allows for insight, strategy, and meaningful solutions. It’s the kind of thinking that innovators and thought leaders do when they’re coming up with new ideas or figuring out complex problems. The difference is that thinking too much doesn’t keep you stuck; it propels you to make informed decisions and take calculated risks.

So, what’s the real difference? It’s direction and intention. When you’re overthinking, your thoughts are scattered, fueled by fear or perfectionism, and they lead nowhere. When you’re thinking deeply (even if it feels like “too much” to some), your thoughts have purpose and direction. You’re moving toward understanding and resolution, not circling back to the same anxieties.

What are we supposed to do about it? First, it’s about recognizing when you’re overthinking versus when you’re just thinking thoroughly. If you notice that your thoughts are spiraling and causing you to feel more anxious and less capable of acting, it’s time to step back. Ask yourself: Is this something I can control? If the answer is no, then you need to let it go, or at least acknowledge that obsessing over it isn’t going to change anything.

One effective way to combat overthinking is to set time limits on your decision-making process. Give yourself a set amount of time to consider your options, weigh the pros and cons, and then commit to making a decision, even if it’s not perfect. Remember, done is better than perfect. Sometimes action, even imperfect action, is what breaks the overthinking cycle.

When you’re thinking deeply (or what some might call “thinking too much”), embrace it. Dive into the complexity, but with the awareness that your thinking is working toward a goal. Make sure to schedule breaks, get input from others to break out of your mental echo chamber, and, most importantly, know when to trust yourself and act. Deep thinking is valuable, but even deep thinking needs a moment to transform into execution.

In the end, overthinking paralyzes you; deep thinking empowers you. The trick is to be intentional with your thoughts, channel them toward understanding and progress, and know when to shut off the loop of doubt and just take the leap.