Ankur Warikoo’s 5 Strategies to Combat Overthinking Shared on LinkedIn

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ankur Warikoo discusses the pervasive issue of overthinking and offers practical strategies to navigate its challenges. Warikoo asserts that instead of simplifying choices, excessive deliberation can render decisions seemingly impossible. He outlines five key approaches to help individuals reduce overthinking and find a greater sense of peace.

The Pitfalls of Comparison and the Power of Self-Reference

One of the primary drivers of overthinking, according to Warikoo, is the tendency to compare oneself with others. He emphasizes that such comparisons are often based on incomplete information, leading to an unrealistic assessment of one’s own progress. As Ankur Warikoo notes:

“If you’re comparing yourself with others, realise that you only see 1% of their journey. The only person you should be comparing yourself with is who you were yesterday.”

Warikoo suggests that focusing on personal growth relative to one’s past self is a more constructive and less debilitating approach. This internal benchmark, he argues, fosters a healthier perspective on individual development.

Shifting Focus from Goals to Habits for New Pursuits

For those embarking on new ventures, Ankur Warikoo proposes a shift in focus from setting outcome-based goals to establishing consistent habits. He explains that while outcomes are often beyond direct control, the actions taken – the inputs – are manageable. Quantifying these inputs, he argues, makes the pursuit feel more accessible and less daunting.

“You cannot control the outcome but you can control your inputs. Quantifying your inputs makes them seem manageable.”

This habit-centric approach, according to Warikoo, allows individuals to build momentum and trust the process, even in the face of uncertainty about the final results.

Managing Information Overload and Past Regrets

Warikoo also addresses the impact of external stimuli and past experiences on our mental state. He advises individuals to take breaks from the news if it leads to feelings of overwhelm, stating that human minds are not equipped for a constant barrage of negative information.

“If you feel overwhelmed by the news, turn it off. Our minds are not designed to consume negative information constantly.”

Furthermore, when confronting regrets about past decisions, Warikoo’s advice is to acknowledge their immutability. Instead of dwelling on what cannot be changed, he urges individuals to focus on how those past choices can inform and shape their present and future actions. This perspective shift, he suggests, empowers individuals to move forward constructively.

Unlocking Decisions by Identifying Core Desires

Finally, Ankur Warikoo tackles the paralysis that can arise from complex decision-making. His proposed solution is to engage in introspection and identify one’s fundamental desires, independent of external validation or societal expectations.

“If you find yourself stuck in decision-making, ask yourself: ‘What is the one thing I really want, irrespective of what the world thinks?'”

This self-directed inquiry, Warikoo implies, can cut through the noise of external pressures and reveal a clearer path forward, ultimately aiding in the decision-making process and contributing to a more authentic life.