When thinking gets too much
overwhelm can kick in - let's get intentional
In a society overflowing with ideas, tips, and advice we never asked for, we can sometimes feel overwhelmed. Summer is often a time to rest, reset, and reconnect through pause. However, it’s also a period when we might feel the need to catch up on all the reading and tasks we didn’t manage earlier in the year because we were stretched too thin!
I want to discuss intentional critical thinking. It’s a practice where you dedicate specific time to focus on that project you’ve been working on and developing ideas. Perhaps it’s a coffee with a friend or colleague, planned in advance so you can manage (or preserve in my case) your social battery. Of course, there's something to be said about spontaneous conversations that spark thoughts, ideas, and contain a unique energy, and there is space for those too. But, I am talking about what we can do on either side of conversations, meetings and projects when the thinking is starting to feel like it is in overdrive!
Ask yourself ‘why'
This may seem simple, but going into a conversation knowing what you want out of it prevents unnecessary social drain. Ten minutes of planning can lead to a more considered conversation and leave you feeling much more energised, without having to think so much afterwards. I often prepare a one-page note the day before to ensure my conversations cover what I need to discuss, learn more about, or fill in any gaps. It saves the messy notes where with no signposts and me having to decipher what I have written. The end result - less overwhelm in thinking.
Don’t take on everything you hear or respond
Sometimes, there is a sense of politeness that can overshadow your own thought process. This might show up as replying to a suggested idea and politely explaining why you won’t be pursuing it, with a justification included. However, this isn't always necessary. A simple ‘thanks for sending this across, I will take a look’ is enough. Additionally, responding can demand more thinking time, which pulls you away from the work you are doing.
Take some time out
Thinking consumes energy. Even if that energy feels productive and leaves you with a sense of fulfilment, it's still important to take a break. Having time to breathe and intentionally pause creates space for ideas to settle and offers an opportunity to revisit later with a fresh perspective.