I was recently asked about what the worst advice I had ever been given. While there are many specific situations where I've received advice that was pretty horrendous, there is a more general example that irks me to no end. That is, the phrase I hear often and the advice I've received more than a few times from certain people who shall remain nameless is "Stop over thinking things." Really? Really? Seriously?
I dare say not a whole lot has been accomplished in this world by under thinking, or not thinking for that matter. The ability to think through situations and solve problems is one of the attributes that makes us human. No other species in the animal kingdom has been given this gift and to not use it is a crime.
To that end, no other species has developed life saving medical procedures, or organized charities to help those in need, or developed technology to improve the standard of living for a sizable majority of the people on this earth. The world is still quite an imperfect place and it is thinking that will continue to propel us forward.
For me personally, there is little I rely on more than my ability to think. So long as I can think, I know I can survive and thrive. So when given the chance, or when I deem it necessary ... I damn well will think, then think some more, then turn it over and think it through again until I am satisfied my thinking is correct.
Let's just say we have two people side by side with exactly the same IQ and ability. The lone difference between the two is that one chronically under thinks and the other chronically over thinks. Now, which of those two people would you entrust to watch your new infant? Which of those two would you rather have running your business? Which one would you want to pick out your next movie or to plan your next vacation? Yes, I think my case can probably now rest.
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