How to stop overthinking at work – expert tips include speaking up, seeking out positive energy and leaving your thoughts in the ‘worry chair’
- Some people brood on things for so long at work that they feel blocked, and end up not taking action and postponing important meetings and deadlines
- What can you do when you’re worrying too much? Be communicative, an expert says, surround yourself with good vibes and leave your thoughts in the ‘worry chair’
Did the boss ignore me when I said “hello” to them this morning? Can I really call the client on holiday if it is urgent? Was my presentation good enough?
If you think too much about every step, every call and every conversation at work, you will never get ahead.
Over time, employees can drive themselves and their whole team crazy. But how much thinking is normal? How much is too much? And how do you get out of the rut of constant overthinking?
Thinking a lot is not necessarily a bad thing. “It doesn’t hurt to think before you do something. Not even at work. It’s a personality trait,” says Florian Becker, a professor of business psychology.
Intense reflection is a sign that you are someone who is conscientious and wants to assess risks thoroughly. You just have to remember not to let a tendency to worry get out of hand. “That’s when it can become a problem.”