How to Break Free from Overthinking and Find Your Flow

Make Yourself Simple, the World Will Not Be So Complicated

When I was young, I easily got caught up in a whirlpool of thinking and would waste my time.

Did my boss give the promotion to someone else? I began to doubt whether I was working hard enough or good enough. I also thought about what I hadn't done well in the past. I couldn't help but compare myself with the person who was promoted. The more I thought about it, the more unwilling I became, and my emotions were dragged down.

When my boyfriend didn’t contact me for a day, I imagined all kinds of scenarios: Was there something wrong with our relationship? Was he chatting with someone else? I even thought back to conversations from previous days to see if I had said anything wrong. As it turned out, he had just fallen asleep due to overtime work.

Even if my friend said something unintentional, I would think it over and over again, wondering if he was hinting at something. Did he dislike me, or was he dissatisfied with something? I even started to reflect on myself, wondering if I had said something wrong or if I had done something that made people uncomfortable.

As soon as a customer questioned something, I immediately became anxious and wondered if there was something wrong with the service. Would it affect subsequent cooperation? At that time, there was always a little drama going on in my mind. Even though nothing big had happened, I felt so tired.

Later, when I became my own boss, I realized that I had no time to engage in internal friction. The market changes quickly, opportunities come and go, and being able to make decisions quickly is key. So I started to simplify my thinking:

Your boyfriend hasn’t contacted you for a day? I am busy, and he is busy too; it's normal! Talk about it when you have time.

A cryptic comment behind a friend’s back? I just felt that the other person was too idle, so I just ignored them and moved on.

Customer’s doubts? First, understand the core of the problem. If it can be solved, solve it. If it cannot be solved or it is our fault, reply directly using the apology letter template. Efficiency is the priority.

When I was no longer entangled by these distracting thoughts, I found that life became much easier and my career progressed faster.

How can I simplify my thoughts and avoid internal friction?

Many times, internal friction is caused by us thinking too much, which makes us unable to move forward. To reduce internal friction, the key is to "simplify thinking" and not let unnecessary emotions occupy the brain. Here are a few ways to help you live your life more easily:

Set clear “thinking boundaries”

When you encounter a problem, ask yourself: "Is this worth my time?"

If you can’t change it, stop dwelling on it and just react to or accept the situation.

For example: "Boss, you promoted someone else? This isn't my company; I have no say in that. Just keep working hard."

Other people’s emotions are not your problems

Don’t take other people’s words and actions personally. What they say and do often has nothing to do with you.

When a friend or colleague says something that makes you uncomfortable, just assess: "Is this statement constructive for me?" If not, there is no need to take it to heart.

For example: "My friend is being sarcastic? They may just be too idle. I have a lot of things to do, so I will ignore them."

Make quick judgments and avoid overanalysis

Categorize things as they happen: “Can this be solved now?”

Solvable → Do it now

Can’t solve → Let it go and let time handle it

For example: "Does the customer have questions? First, look at the core of the problem and solve it if you can. If you can't solve it, reply with an apology letter template."

Turn "emotional internal consumption" into "practical action"

When you find yourself mentally overthinking, ask yourself, “What concrete actions can I take right now to improve this situation?”

For example:

“My boyfriend hasn’t contacted me?” → “Should I take the initiative to talk to him, or should I just focus on my own things?”

“My colleagues are indifferent?” → “I should just focus on doing my job well.”

Develop an “it’s okay” mentality

The world will not get better because of your anxiety, so just let it go.

Practice telling yourself: “This doesn’t affect my overall situation; let it go.”

Example: “Are the customers difficult today? That’s okay. It’s just part of the job. Just deal with it.”

Avoid being overly involved in other people’s affairs

Don’t waste your time on “other people’s expectations” or “meaningless discussions.”

For example: “Who is arguing with whom in the friend circle? It’s none of my business; I’ll just observe quietly.”

Practice the One-Minute Decision Technique

Give yourself 60 seconds to make a decision and avoid getting stuck in endless entanglement.

For example: "Do you want to participate in this event?" → Decide within 60 seconds, and you won’t regret your choice.

"If you think too much, it's better to act; if you worry too much, it's better to let it go."

I used to think the world was very complicated, but later I discovered that it’s not the world that is complicated, but my own thoughts. When you choose simplicity, things become less difficult.

Instead of thinking too much, it’s better to act. Don’t let internal friction slow down your life!

Thank you for reading!