The Tyranny of Overthinking: Paths to Peace of Mind, Part 1
The mind is astonishing.
Its capacity for analysis, problem-solving, planning and abstraction has, in all likelihood, been the engine of much of your success.
But somewhere along the way, something shifted.
The mind that once served you has now become your master.
Planning, problem-solving, decision-making and risk assessment are now your constant companions.
You Already Know that the Old Way No Longer Works.
When we are young, we are filled with fantasies of an exciting life, of heroic achievements, of true love, of achieving great things.
We assume that if we work hard enough, love well enough, build the right kind of life and have enough visible success, we will eventually arrive at happiness, contentment and inner peace.
And then midlife comes.
What Happens When Success No Longer Feels Like Enough
Many thoughtful professionals and founders reach a point in midlife where something begins to shift.
Outwardly, your life may look successful.
You may be seen by others to be competent, responsible, respected and productive – someone to be relied upon.
Inwardly, however, something no longer quite fits.
The Fire, the Threshold, and What Comes After
It was May 2005. I heard my wife scream. I ran upstairs and found a roaring flame erupting out of the gas heater in our bedroom. I heard myself say, “The house is going to burn down. Get out now!”