Introspection vs Overthinking

Two common ways to reflect on yourself — introspection and overthinking. One of them is used by all wise men for a better understanding of self and the other is linked to depression, sadness, regret, guilt, and loneliness. This article will help you differentiate one from the other.

The Brain Library

The information in our Brain is like a library that keeps getting more books as we age. It is so vast that it is easy to get lost in it.

Overthinking — Reading familiar books over and over

· Comfortable reading

· Limited information

· Can’t solve most problems

· Waste of time and brainpower

Introspection — Using Library guide to find the right book

· Difficult to find the right book

· Difficult reading new books

· Unlimited information

· Can solve most problems

· Worth the time and brainpower

3 steps for introspection

So, you are in the brain library and you want to introspect. Here’s how you do it: -

1. Identify what you are looking for

This step safeguards you from overthinking

2. Find the right books

Use the library guide to know if you have enough information to solve the problem on your own. If not then gather relevant information (new books)

3. Read the books

Review the information stored in your brain. Analyze the information and draw conclusions from it. Note down the conclusions to avoid re-reading.

Completion of Introspection — Action (use your conclusions to test them)

Example of Introspection

Problem — What hobby should I pursue?

Reading — Remembering how happy I was when I used to write essays in school and when I studied English literature in college.

Conclusion — I like to write and share my thoughts.

Action — Writing Blogs.

Example of Overthinking

I used to be so happy in college, Ohh I miss college, how good was the mess food, Who used to cook the chicken? What was his name? I can’t remember the name. What was his name ….