How to Unplug the Overthinking Treadmill

Issue #37 · I wrote this post because I needed to read this post.

I love running.*

*Okay fine, I despise running itself, but (1.) I love the post-workout runner’s high, (2.) I cannot deny the direct correlation it has on boosting my mood and (3.) it allows me to order a daily dose of mayonnaise-covered patatas bravas guilt-free.

Throughout my adult life — meaning, once my college gymnastics coach was no longer forcing me to lace up, my running habit has ebbed more than it’s flowed. But this summer I’ve fallen into one of my most consistent routines ever, doing anywhere from two to six miles a day, five or six days a week.

I attribute nearly all of this consistency success to the fact that there is a massive, beautiful park directly beside my apartment. Running is also the best way to explore a city: Pick a place on the map that you’ve never been to: a monument, public plaza, a coffee shop across town, whatever — and go run to it. Even if it’s a dud, you’re bound to encounter other cool stuff along the way. Plus, the further you run, the more you get to see! More days than not, I only end up running six miles because the destination of choice is 3 miles away and I’ve got to get home somehow.

But when it comes to running on a treadmill, I’d decidedly rather chew glass. Overcoming the monotony of staring at a digital counter slowly, so slowly, tick upwards requires a level of mental stamina that I simply do not have. Without any external stimulation, my mind inevitably turns inward, and I begin to dissect every little thing going on in my life — a disastrous scenario for someone like me: a relentless, chronic overthinker.

This same absence of distraction is also the reason I've struggled with falling asleep for nearly my entire life. After a long day, as my body and eyelids begin to drag, my mind stubbornly refuses to shut off and decides that YEP! 12:30am is the perfect time to ruminate over all of life’s complex decisions, unresolved conflicts, and deep existential doubts. Sound familiar?

Of course, these types of unsolicited mental battles never lead to any constructive solutions. By obsessively dwelling on every detail and analyzing all possible outcomes, we might even convince ourselves that we're just being thorough, or that any minute now, we will arrive at that sudden moment of clarity. But in reality, we're trapped on a counterproductive hamster wheel of indecision and self-doubt that only leads to missed opportunities and stagnation. In fact, overthinking is really just one big mental treadmill — it’s exhausting, but in the end, it’s gotten us nowhere. If comparison is the thief of joy, then overthinking is the thief of progress.

Every opportunity has an expiration date. By hesitating to take action — even the wrong action — we miss out on the valuable chance to learn and gather new information. After all, progress requires some degree of experimentation, failure and iteration. Wrong decisions allow us to course-correct; inaction causes us to wonder “what if?” and adds fuel to the overthinking fire.

By remaining stagnant, we also rob ourselves of the chance for serendipity and happy accidents. You’ll never stumble upon that unexpected opportunity waiting for you at Stage 3 if you remain stuck scrutinizing the starting line. This is where the concept of “increasing your surface area of luck” comes into play — you can actually manufacture your own good fortune by simply taking more shots on goal. I mean, has anyone ever scored while sitting on the bench? By intentionally and repeatedly pulling on threads, you’ll increase the likelihood of a positive outcome, even if it’s not on the first try.

It takes a significant shift in mindset to not get bogged down by second-guessing, indecision and overthinking — but deliberate action is a powerful shortcut. Visualization and careful calculation is fine, but eventually, you need to pick up the brush and just start painting.

Moving through life with a strong sense of conviction matters, because each time we make a decision, we are propelled forward — whether or not it’s down the most direct path is irrelevant. So should you sign up for that class? Should you have that tough conversation? Should you accept that job offer? Should you pitch that idea? Let the answer be a resounding YES to all of the above. Because when you take purposeful action and actually do the thing, you’ll convert those swirling thoughts into concrete progress. And while you’re at it, go unplug that damn treadmill and head outside for a jog instead — I promise everything else will sort itself out once you hit the ground running.

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Recommended related posts:

• Approach Life with Levity — More unsolicited YOLO-esque life advice that I have no problem dishing out because as you’ll see, it’s not all that serious.

• Damp July: Fewer Drinks, Fuller Days — Related only in that Damp July seamlessly continued into August, the other massive factor in achieving my summer running habit.

PS: I’d love to hear what you thought about this issue. Email me directly at hello@emilyannhill.com and I pinky promise I’ll reply back.