Think Less, Stumble More
The Surprising Virtue of Letting Your Mind Wander
It sounds like it should be easy, right?
Just stop thinking.
But here’s the thing: I love to think. Thinking and coming up with new ideas is what I’m all about. I’ve always said it’s a big part of who I am. Yet, it’s obvious that too much thinking can get in the way of any sort of creative process.
Living without overthinking
What some call being in the "flow"—means you have to let go of trying to control everything.
That idea can be really scary. Just writing about it makes my heart beat faster. But deep down, I feel like it’s the right way to be.
I’ve found I can do this "non-thinking" best with things that don’t stress me out too much, like writing songs. I might start on a Monday, playing around with different versions of a song. Each day, I let it change and grow based on what feels right. By Friday, it turns into something that’s ready to leave my head.
Letting Go: Easy for the Small Stuff, Hard for the Big
I’m pretty good at not overthinking when it’s about something small and fun, like making a song, a dance, or designing a website. These things don’t feel like a big deal, so it’s easier to just go with the flow.
But when it comes to the big stuff—whether it’s creative projects or important life decisions that take more time—I find it really hard to let go. It feels like I can’t trust my gut to handle the serious “grown-up” problems. I’m afraid of making a mistake that could cost me money, leave me without work, or lead me to pick the wrong project. The list of “what ifs” just keeps going.
Embracing Non-Thinking: Rationality vs. Intuition
It doesn’t always make sense to me, and I usually resist things that don’t fit my idea of rational. But I know it’s important to get better at this non-thinking approach.
So, I set aside specific times to practice letting my intuitive side take the lead. For example, from 10:30 to 11:15 on a Tuesday, I decide it’s time to stop overanalyzing everything.
During these moments, I try to release any judgments. I focus on following my instincts. My thoughts are still there—buzzing and spinning like a cloud of dust—but I let them drift without trying to grab onto them. It’s my scheduled “letting go” time, where those thoughts exist without needing to settle down anywhere.
Pushing Through the Discomfort
At the beginning, it feels awkward and stirs up a lot of unease.
Yet, just like anything new, it gradually becomes more manageable with practice.
I’ve learned that non-thinking doesn’t mean losing direction but finding a new way to navigate creativity and life's challenges.
The rare moments I allow my intuitive self to lead are those where unexpected paths unfold, leading to insights and creations I could never have meticulously planned.
This practice, though initially counterintuitive, has become a testament to the power of trusting the flow of our instincts over the confines of our fears.
As I explore this balance, the blend of intuition and rationality not only enriches my work, but also lends itself toward a more fulfilling, authentic existence.
But it isn’t easy.
Give it a try and see what you think.
