Overthink

To think about something too much or for too long, often leading to anxiety or indecision. Overthinking involves excessive rumination on a particular situation, thought, or decision, which can hinder effective problem-solving and decision-making. It may manifest in various forms, from replaying past conversations to worrying excessively about future actions or outcomes, thereby inhibiting one's ability to take action or arrive at a resolution.

Overthink meaning with examples

• After receiving feedback on her project, Jane began to overthink every detail, worrying that her supervisor would criticize her choices. She spent hours analyzing each decision, ultimately losing sight of her original vision and creativity. Instead of enjoying the project, she felt paralyzed by her own thoughts and questions, which only increased her anxiety and self-doubt, affecting her productivity overall.
• During the job interview, Mark started to overthink his responses to the questions asked by the panel. As he left the room, he couldn't shake off the replaying of the conversation in his mind, fretting over every word he had spoken. This obsessive reflection drained his confidence and caused him to doubt his qualifications for the position, impacting his overall performance in the interview.
• Samantha found herself overthinking her romantic relationship, constantly analyzing every interaction she had with her partner. Her mind raced with potential meanings of gestures and words, leading to unnecessary worry. This overanalysis created tension in their communication, as she struggled to enjoy the moments together, fixating instead on hypothetical issues that might not even exist, straining their connection greatly.
• Tom realized that he had a tendency to overthink while playing sports. Instead of focusing on the game, he would second-guess his instincts, worrying about disappointing his teammates. This constant self-doubt led him to hesitate in critical moments, costing him plays and even games. Understanding his overthinking habits helped him learn to trust his abilities and play with more confidence.