111: Deep-Thinking vs Over-Thinking

In our pursuit of a fulfilling life, it’s hard to overstate the importance of thinking deeply with our own head about all things in life.
 
This involves analyzing “Why it happened the way it did,” digging deep into “Why we did it the way we did,” “What/how we thought when we did it,” and “Why we thought that way at the time” in a logical sequence.
 
And then, once we reach a certain conclusion through deep-thinking, does it mean we should never think about it again?
 
The answer is, no. Because if that were the case, then it’d be like admitting our own inability to grow as a person.
 
When we’re a person able to grow and become even better, upon deeply revisiting the same issue once again, we may reach a different conclusion from years ago. It’s because as we grow, new sceneries open up that we couldn’t see before.
 
Even if our “past self” had thought through about a worthy issue and decided on it, we must ask ourselves once again, does that conclusion still ring true to our “present self?” To put it another way, every time we stumble upon that same issue, it’s time for another “Deep-Thinking.”
 
In this way, life is a series of opportunities to deepen our thoughts. And the lifelong “Deep-Thinking” is vital in learning about our own patterns of success/failure; to continue to grow and become even better.
 
Yet some critics may argue, “But isn’t that Over-Thinking?”
 
So, let’s think about that, too. What is “Over-Thinking,” really?
 
For example, most of us can agree that “Deep-Thinking” in a positive direction is very important. And as long as we’re taking action based on it, it isn’t “Over-Thinking.” To clarify, the “positive direction” here means the “direction that makes this world a better place for everyone.”
 
However, even with a positive thought, when we can’t take action based on it, or when we feel trapped/frozen, it can be “Over-Thinking.” It’s because, despite just inches away from making a tangible positive difference, the thought remains only in the head, unable to put it into action.
 
When we catch ourselves in this situation, let us muster the courage to take a step forward based on what we believe to be our best thought at that point in time. Once we start taking action, a new scenery will open up.
 
On the other hand, persisting to think in a negative direction is the classic pattern of “Over-Thinking.” Consequently, when we catch ourselves teetering in that direction, we should stop right away. It’s because this line of thought won’t take us anywhere near the “direction that makes this world a better place for everyone.” Simply put, it’s futile not only for ourselves, but also for others.
 
In the past, despite having been blessed with a great insight, some people got so tangled up in the web of “Over-Thinking” that, in the worst case, they regrettably succumbed to believe there’s no way out and consequently took their own lives. As a result, they’re among the unfortunate examples of good people who originally set out to make the world better, yet ended up forever unable to put it into action.
 
Also, both in the past and now, from time to time, we come across the abuse of the word “Over-Thinking.” It’s when people who wish to maintain the status-quo stubbornly tell us, “You’re over-thinking!” trying to derail our action for change even when it stems from a positive thought.
 
Truth be told, no matter how young we are, or how old we get, we all must grow and become even better as a person. This applies to everyone, from children to the elderly. It’s a lifelong duty for the better tomorrow of everyone in this world. For the happiness of each and every one of us; our responsibility to honestly pursue global peace.  
 
For this reason, the lifelong “Deep-Thinking” in a positive direction is very important. And as long as we put it into action, we won’t fall into the trap of “Over-Thinking.”

Read Theme: Perspective