More thinking won’t solve your problems

When faced with problems, our perception of how serious they are can make them feel overwhelming. This perception is influenced by our previous experiences, current state of being, and personality traits. Problems can feel particularly overwhelming when they make us feel like our life is in danger or when they impact our social status and expectations. Our natural reaction to problems is to think about them. We may consider possible solutions, dwell on the cause of the problem, and worry about how the situation will play out in the future.

According to Seneca, we tend to suffer more in our minds than in reality. Our imagination is a collection of self-generated thoughts that are influenced by our personality traits, beliefs and learned behaviors. It can be difficult to recognize their presence because we identify with our thoughts. Sometimes, we avoid being alone with our thoughts because they can be overwhelming. As a result, we distract ourselves with external activities to avoid facing our distorted thinking.

“There are more things … likely to frighten us than there are to crush us; we suffer more often in imagination than in reality.”

Seneca, On groundless fears

Sometimes, people tend to think in a distorted way. The level of distortion can differ from person to person, depending on their upbringing, the people who influenced them while growing up, and their personality traits. As you matured, you may have distanced yourself from your family and found a new social circle, such as a group of friends you met somewhere. It's possible that you've never taken the time to be alone for at least a month without engaging in activities that distract you from your distorted thoughts. Cultivating the capacity to notice thought patterns and detach or pay attention depending on their power and truth can be a life-enhancing ability, as clinical psychologist and coach Dr. Aria asserts in this conversation.

It's important to reflect on problems to avoid spiraling into distorted thinking. Overthinking can drain cognitive and physical energy without leading to a solution. As neuroscientist Sam Harris suggests, some problems may not be solvable through thinking alone. In the parable of a poisoned arrow victim, the man's concern over the identity of his attacker and other details only exacerbates his suffering. Sometimes, less thinking is the answer, or there may simply be no answer.