the dark side of thinking
Dear Reader,
Think about thinking.
Learn about learning.
There is a dark side to thinking, that is overthinking.
Anyone who thinks at all has experienced the trap of thought loops, cognitive dissonance, and paralysis by analysis that comes from overthinking.
If you are interested in metacognition, it is vital to become aware of and mindful of overthinking and adopt strategies to escape it. Here are three strategies I use to escape. Here’s the method a metacog can use to master their mind and escape the overthinking trap.
- The balloon
- Does it matter?
- Visualize the thought pattern as a balloon on a string, and let it go.
- The zen
- Are my thoughts and fears even valid?
- What would a monk be thinking right now about this?
- The brain dump
- Let me brainstorm a solution and commit to the following right action.
- Write it out on a sticky note or piece of paper.
- What is the problem?
- What are the variables, the pros and cons, and the possible outcomes?
- Pick a solution and move on.
At the end of the day, if nothing else fails, remember.
It won’t matter in 100 years.
And the sum of all fears usually equals zero.
Ask yourself the right questions at the correct times.
Think about your thinking to master the mind.
To learn more about metacognition, click HERE.
I am looking for students who want to learn about learning, become more efficient in their studies, and get guidance on their path to professional school. As an incoming medical student, I know what being a pre-med is like. If you or someone you know is on the same path as me…
I will be working with one student FOR FREE.
No strings.
But I can only take one.
Until next time,
Jake the Metacog