In a recent LinkedIn post, Maryannjamieson offers a fresh perspective on overthinking, reframing it not as a lack of thought, but as a misdirection of cognitive resources. Rather than advocating for thinking less, Maryannjamieson argues for a more strategic approach to where our mental energy is directed.
The post begins by challenging the common notion that overthinking is a protective mechanism. Maryannjamieson states:
Overthinking isn’t protecting you. It’s burning through your mental horsepower.
Maryannjamieson recounts personal experience, noting the irony of a mind capable of complex project risk assessment also getting bogged down in analyzing minor communications or replaying past conversations. The core issue, as identified by Maryannjamieson, is not the capacity to think deeply, but the application of that capacity to low-value problems.
The Misdirection of Cognitive Power
The central thesis of Maryannjamieson’s post is that many individuals who identify as overthinkers are essentially applying high-level analytical skills to trivial matters. This can lead to a state where the very tools designed for strategic advantage become a hindrance.
Maryannjamieson elaborates on this point:
A strategic mind becomes a handbrake when it’s applied to everything. Every decision. Every interaction. Every possibility.
This indiscriminate application, according to Maryannjamieson, causes minor uncertainties to be treated with the same urgency as major threats. The cycle of analysis, replaying, and preparation, which is intended to increase preparedness, paradoxically results in a feeling of being less ready than before. This highlights a critical disconnect between the effort expended and the actual outcome achieved.
Shifting the Focus: From ‘What Could Go Wrong?’ to ‘What Deserves Attention?’
A pivotal shift in Maryannjamieson’s approach, and one she recommends to others, involves changing the fundamental question asked when faced with potential issues. Instead of defaulting to a risk-averse mindset focused on potential negative outcomes, the suggestion is to pivot towards assessing the importance and value of the problem itself.
Maryannjamieson explains this crucial change:
Instead of asking, “What could go wrong?” I started asking, “What deserves this much attention?”
This reframing is powerful because it acknowledges that not all thoughts carry equal weight, and not all risks warrant the same level of energy. Maryannjamieson emphasizes that the true skill lies in discerning which situations require detailed planning, which demand immediate action, and which can be safely disregarded. This selective engagement is presented as the hallmark of a truly effective and strategic thinker.
The Goal: Crisis Management, Not Thought Suppression
Ultimately, Maryannjamieson’s message is not about eliminating thought, but about transforming the relationship with it. The objective is to move away from treating every internal deliberation as an urgent crisis that requires exhaustive analysis.
Concluding the post, Maryannjamieson offers a final piece of advice:
Your greatest strength isn’t chasing every risk. It’s knowing which ones are actually worth thinking about.
This perspective encourages readers to harness their analytical abilities more effectively, focusing their considerable mental horsepower on challenges that genuinely matter and yield meaningful results. By understanding the difference between necessary planning and unproductive rumination, individuals can reclaim their mental energy and apply it with greater purpose and impact.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Maryannjamieson on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on June 4, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →