Don’t overthink yourself into paralysis

Our mind often makes us go to extremes in whatever we do, even in the basic activity of thinking. Sometimes, it makes us impulsive, whereby we act thoughtlessly, even self-destructively. Or, going to the other extreme, it traps us in an infinite loop inside our head, whereby we agonize indecisively over various eventualities – as did Arjuna at the Bhagavad-gita’s start.

Faced with the impending fratricidal war, Arjuna’s mind went into an overdrive. With his imagination powered by a selective reading of scriptural teaching, he foresaw a dystopian destruction of entire dynasties (01.39-42) and even his own condemnation to hell for time uncountable (01.43). And this hyperactive imagination resulted in paralysis – he put aside his bow (01.46), confessed his confusion (02.06) and refused to fight (02.09).

How did a powerful warrior become so powerless? By overthinking. Undoubtedly, his deliberating the war’s consequences was laudable. But such deliberation had already been done before the war, as narrated in the Mahabharata’s preceding section (Udyoga-Parva). As the vicious Kauravas had arrogantly rejected all peace efforts, the moment called for decisive action, not vacillation.

Arjuna overcame overthinking by turning to Krishna. Thus emerged the Gita, which is a timeless guidebook fora thoughtful action.

How can we know if we are overthinking? First, our thinking starts making things fuzzier, not clearer. Second, our thinking discourages us from any practical action.

Whenever a thought-loop starts paralyzing us, we need to get out of our head by seeking guidance from a trustworthy spiritual mentor well-versed in Gita wisdom. Additionally, we can vent the thoughts out in a journal. After such venting has partially calmed the mind, we can evaluate those thoughts in the light of Gita wisdom.

Being thus guided by the Gita, we can avoid the extremes of thoughtless action and overthinking inaction, thereby choosing action that is both prudent and potent.