Also known as the law or parsimony, Occam’s razor is a philosophical tool for ‘shaving off’ unlikely explanations.
It states that “entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity” or in other words, when faced with competing explanations for the same phenomenon, the simplest is likely the correct one.’
What would happen if we – you, me, all of us – applied that approach to our own lives, thoughts and anxiety?
Instead of overthinking so much of what happens in our life, adopt a mindset that the simplest explanation is probably the right one?
Overthinking, as some of you may know, makes everything more than it is.
It makes you see things, and think things and feel things which doesn’t quite map to the situation you’re faced with and it’s very hard to make it stop.
How cool would it be if we could apply Ockham’s razor to our daily lives?
To our overthinking?
To our overall mental health?
Imagine if we could just go out with the mindset that the simplest explanation in any given situation is the correct one.
Imagine…
… if the person who didn’t reply to your message wasn’t upset with you but was just having a busy day.
Imagine…
… if the person that looked at you funny wasn’t judging you but just liked your jacket.
Imagine…
… if the negative comment on social media wasn’t aimed at you but from someone who was just having a really bad day and they had to vent.
Imagine…
… if the two people talking to each other in the office is actually just discussing a work related matter and not talking about you.
Imagine…
… if you are actually prepared for your exam or presentation and that you will actually do okay.
Imagine…
… if 99% of the things you overthink was only in your head and not your reality.
Again, wow cool would it be if we could apply Ockham’s razor to our daily lives?
To our overthinking?
To our overall mental health?
Imagine if we could just go out with the mindset that the simplest explanation in any given situation is the right one.
Some food for thought. 🙏🏼
