Think like a gazelle. Move like a gazelle. Rest like a gazelle.

I think and analyze a lot. Most people would probably say I overthink and overanalyze a lot. I would agree with most people. I have always had the kind of brain that burns pretty consistently, whether I'm awake or sleeping. At times, I've thought it was a curse instead of a blessing. As I age, I'm very thankful for the kind of mind I have.

However, I think many people would agree that there are dangers in overthinking/overanalyzing. But I would make a strong suggestion to you that you not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Side note: that is funny American expression that means don't throw out the good with the bad. And yes, from what I remember reading somewhere, years ago - the saying is actually purported to have come from the turn of the century where families would all bathe in the same water. Father bathed in clean water, followed by siblings - oldest first. Sadly, the baby was washed last in water so filthy that the baby couldn't be seen. Whoever threw the bathwater out, had to be careful to not toss the baby with it. Funny saying - not sure how much of the history of it is true - but I digress. In this post, let's be sure to keep the good and toss the bad.

As I've gotten older, I've learned to stop criticizing my overanalysis - AS LONG AS I didn't let it paralyze me. I would be the first to admit that one of the most annoying situations to experience is watching an accident unfold while people stand around witnessing it escalate.

Classic example? A toddler spills their drink at the table. Mouths agape, the entire family sits, watching the liquid sloshing around, spilling over the edge of the table, and soaking the floor. I was one of those moms that grabbed the cup within a second of it tipping, while yanking a handful of napkins out of the holder to stop any spills from spreading.

For me? Analysis and even over-analysis isn't the problem.

It's the paralysis that causes the greater damage.

I envision a gazelle (me) and a cheetah (problems of life). Right before the gazelle start to act, it's thinking, watching, analyzing, waiting. When the cheetah gets too close for comfort, the gazelle doesn't stop thinking - it just starts moving. You can observe this easily, because as it's trying to survive, it's making evasive moves, trying to outsmart its predator, and often switching direction/techniques.

Too often we convince ourselves that we have to make the PERFECT move at the outset. Do you think the gazelle is trying to figure out the best direction to go? I don't. I think the direction that matters most in the beginning is AWAY from the cheetah.

So my tips for you fellow over-thinkers:

• EMBRACE your beautiful gift of analysis.
• Think when you can, but think on the MOVE. Even a slow move. Stagnation allows the cheetah close the distance.
• Once you start, you're not FIXED in that direction. Just CHOOSE to move, and trust you'll be able to evaluate and adjust along the way.
• When you've outrun the cheetah, (and you will, my gazelle friend!) REST and RECOVER, cuz tomorrow? The cheetah returns.

Lots of love to you all ❤️

---

Video by Nicky Pe

Image by Jozildo José