Thinking vs. Overthinking
Thinking is productive — it solves problems, makes plans, and processes experiences. Overthinking is circular — you go over the same ground repeatedly without reaching new conclusions. The difference is progress: if you're not reaching new insights, you're overthinking.
Why Smart People Overthink
Intelligence creates the capacity for more complex worry. You can imagine more potential failure modes, see more variables in every situation, and construct more elaborate worst-case scenarios. Your brain's strength becomes its weakness when applied to uncertainty.
How to Break the Loop
Set decision deadlines (even arbitrary ones), practice 'good enough' thinking, and use physical activity to interrupt rumination. Your body can break the cycle that your mind can't.