Mind Talk: When Overthinking Takes Over
Have you ever caught yourself lost in a spiral of thoughts, where one tiny doubt turns into a raging storm of "what ifs"? It starts small—an innocent thought, a fleeting worry. But before you know it, your mind is hosting a full-blown debate, riddled with self-doubt and worst-case scenarios.
This is mind talk—the constant internal dialogue that can shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. And when it's left unchecked, it can grow into a force that distorts your reality, making problems seem bigger and solutions feel impossible. This is often named as being ‘in the box’
The Growing Storm of Overthinking
At first, it’s just a whisper:
"What if I’m not good enough?"
"What if I fail?"
"What if, this, that and many others!
It’s endless !!
These thoughts, on their own, might seem harmless. But when we start to entertain them, they multiply. Self doubt takes root, feeding off insecurities and past experiences. Soon, the whispers turn into loud, persistent voices that shape how we feel about ourselves.
Before long, perspective is lost. The mind convinces us that the worst is inevitable, and we start making decisions (or worse avoiding them) based on fear rather than fact and reality.
We stop taking risks.
We second-guess our choices.
We replay conversations, picking apart every word.
Negativity feeds negativity and drains your energy.
And all the while, the truth and all the amazing positives areburied under layers of self-inflicted doubt.
Switching Perspectives: What’s True vs. What’s False?
When the mind is trapped in overdrive, it’s easy to mistake thoughts for truth. But just because you think something doesn’t make it real.
The key to breaking the cycle? Shift your perspective.
Ask yourself:
Is this fact or assumption? (Do I know this will happen, or am I just afraid it will?)
What would I say to a friend in this situation? (We’re often kinder to others than we are to ourselves.)
What’s if I did fail what could happen—and what could I learn from it? (Chances are, the risk of failure is less then not taking any action and failures are how we learn and grow)
By challenging mind talk, we take back control. We regain clarity, seeing situations as they truly are—not as our fears would have us believe. Seeing things in a positive light and getting our energy and drive back .There is always an opportunity to change the dialogue.
Regaining Balance
The mind is a powerful amazing control centre, which we need to be in control of. Our thoughts and words we feed it can trick us into believing we’re not enough when, in reality, we are more capable than we think. Change the narrative to regain the balance. It’s a true mindset that positive attracts positive. It’s not always easy to do and that’s where the work comes in.
So next time the self-doubt creeps in, take a step back. Observe the thoughts, but don’t let them define you. Shift your perspective, focus on what’s real, and watch as clarity replaces the chaos.
Because in the end, the biggest battle isn’t against circumstances—it’s against the stories we tell ourselves.
1.Catch the Negative Thought
Pay attention when you say or think, "I can't do this," "I'm not good enough," or "This will never work." Awareness is the first step to change.
2. Question It
Ask yourself: Is this actually true? Have I really tried everything? What evidence do I have that I can’t do it? Often, negative thoughts are assumptions, not facts.
3. Reframe It
Instead of saying "I can’t do this," say "I haven’t figured it out yet." Instead of "This is too hard," try "This is a challenge, but I can learn." A small shift in language can make a huge difference in mindset.
4. Take One Small Step
Action is the best way to silence doubt. Instead of aiming for perfection, just start. Try, learn, and adjust as you go. Even a tiny step forward is proof that "I can’t" was never the truth—it was just fear talking.
The more you practice this, the easier it gets. "I can’t" turns into "I can try," and before you know it, you're proving yourself right in the best way possible.
