The Good Part? I Overanalyze Everything. The Bad Part? I Overanalyze Everything.

"Don’t deep it.” “It’s not that deep.”

I hear these phrases a lot. And to be honest, it’s a constant struggle of mine.

I’m a thinker. My mind is always running, analyzing different concepts and ideas, usually inspired by whatever documentary, show, or book has me hooked that week. I always have an opinion—always a thought or an idea to challenge.

But after going back and forth on this for a while (lol, go figure), I started to realize that my so-called overthinking is actually one of my greatest gifts.

The Death of Critical Thinking

In my opinion, most people don't take the time to sit with themselves and analyze what they really think—about anything, really. We are a ‘flock generation,’ and I rarely interact with someone whose stance on a controversial topic wasn’t formed in an online comment section. Critical thinking is a lost art.

But first, let’s break down what it actually means.

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information logically and objectively, making reasoned decisions based on facts rather than emotions. It requires questioning assumptions, recognizing biases, and evaluating different perspectives before forming a judgment. In a world where opinions are shaped by viral trends and surface-level arguments, true critical thinking demands deeper engagement. It’s about asking why we believe what we do, separating fact from influence, and making informed decisions rather than simply echoing the loudest voices. Without it, we risk becoming passive consumers of information rather than active participants in shaping our own perspectives.

Art & The Overthinkers Lens

Take Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance, for example. After the show, thousands of breakdowns flooded the internet, dissecting the symbolism and deeper meaning behind a performance that many dismissed as either “boring” or overly “complex.” This reaction surprised me because, to me, Kendrick’s use of symbolism felt obvious—almost impossible to miss. From the uniformity of the dancers to the specific historical references in his lyrics, every detail felt intentional and loaded with meaning. But then I realized—what seemed obvious to me wasn’t necessarily obvious to everyone.

That’s when it hit me: overanalyzing isn’t a flaw; it’s a skill. My tendency to break things down and search for meaning allowed me to grasp Kendrick’s message effortlessly, while others needed explanations. Kendrick crafts his art with intention, layering his lyrics with social commentary, symbolism, and historical references that demand active analysis. For an overthinker, critical thinking is essential to unpacking his artistry without getting lost in unnecessary over analysis.

Instead of simply reacting emotionally to his performance, critical thinking helps break down his lyrics, stage design, and movements to uncover the deeper meaning. It allows fans to engage with his work in a meaningful way—appreciating the complexity of his storytelling without spiraling into endless speculation.

Emotional Awareness: The Overthinkers Superpower?

Sitting with yourself. Stillness. Scary concepts.

In my opinion, emotional awareness and overthinking are closely connected—often in ways that can either help or hinder personal growth. Emotional awareness is the ability to recognize, understand, and regulate your emotions, while overthinking tends to amplify them by dwelling on situations excessively.

When overthinking is paired with low emotional awareness, it can lead to unnecessary stress, anxiety, and decision paralysis. However, when emotional awareness is strong, it helps you identify when your thoughts are spiraling and shift your focus toward constructive reflection.

For the longest time, my biggest struggle was that I had never really practiced sitting with my emotions—good or bad—and just feeling them. Instead, I’d impulsively look for something to soothe the discomfort rather than breaking down what the heck is actually going on.

But sitting with myself allowed me to do two things: first, figure out what I was feeling—because emotions are messy, complicated, and often overlap. And second, actually face what was happening instead of shoving it down, only for it to explode later in some other area of my life.

The Downsides

Now into the downsides—because there sure are plenty. Sometimes I get stuck in my head a little too much, and unknowingly so, I self-sabotage. I overanalyze situations to the point of paralysis, second-guessing decisions that should be simple. Overthinking makes me hesitant, afraid to tackle risk or trust my instincts. It turns minor uncertainties into full-blown dilemmas, making it hard to just be in the moment. And the worst part? The more I try to think my way out of overthinking (haha), the deeper I spiral. 

And then there is the emotional toll. Overthinking magnifies anxiety, making me hyper-aware of every possible mistake or misstep. I struggle to let things go, even when I know I'm overcomplicating them. Instead of enjoying experiences, I sometimes get caught up in analyzing them. Instead of moving forward, I get stuck in loops of doubt. It's like carrying around a mental checklist of what ifs -- what if I fail, what if I embarrass myself? And the worst part about it is most of the time none of these things even happen but I've already convinced myself that it did. 

I like to think that most people are just living their lives—not thinking about it. 

Finding Balance

As with most things, finding the balance is always key. For me, learning to be ‘where my feet are’ has been one of the biggest lessons I learned in trying to find balance in overthinking. On a surface level, sometimes things really, truly, aren't that deep. Life is meant to be lived, experienced in the moment — not thought about while it's happening. Why rob myself of that experience? 

When I focus on being present, I free myself from the mental loops that overthinking creates. The key isn’t to eliminate thoughts entirely, but to choose when and how to engage with them. And that’s the kind of balance I’m striving for. 

Is overanalyzing something you truly need to “fix,” or is it simply a part of who you are— and if so how can you find peace with it?” 

“Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”