If you’re anything like me, you’ve fallen prey to the paralysis of overthinking. You play well for a while on a certain setup (sensitivity, mouse grip, crosshair etc.) and when it goes wrong, you fumble and overthink all the possibilities – it could be your sensitivity, the food you ate, your mental state, the desk height, the humidity of the room and even the toilet paper brand you recently changed(okay this one maybe a little bit of a joke).

We’re not alone in these thought patterns. Even the most skilled pros like TenZ constantly change their settings in “pursuit” of a potentially better way.

While in reality, these are actually all possibly factors, the minuscule impact it has on your performance in game and in aiming is negligible. Obsessively analyzing it in this way only causes you to keep changing variabls and forcing your body to be uncomfortable with your setup. Like in life, overthinking in game can be extremely detrimental.

While contemplation is healthy and even necessary for improvement, excessive rumination can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and may lead to plateaus. In this article, we will explore the causes and consequences of overthinking, and provide practical strategies to break free from its grip so that you can have fun in game again.

Understanding the Causes of Overthinking

1. Perfectionism: Perfectionists often fall into the overthinking trap as they constantly strive to make flawless plays in game. This leads to a never-ending cycle of doubt, self-criticism, and overanalysis.
2. Fear of Failure: The fear of making mistakes and subsequently receiving blame and toxicity from teammates can trigger overthinking.
3. Lack of Confidence: Individuals with low self-esteem may overthink to seek external validation or to ensure they are making the “right” choices. This is tightly correlated with the fear of failure.

Consequences of Overthinking

1. Increased Stress and Anxiety: Overthinking can create a state of chronic stress, leading to anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. The mind becomes consumed by worries, leaving little room for relaxation or enjoyment of the game. Remember that while we’re trying to improve and do our best, it’s counterproductive to overthink since it leads to suboptimal conditions for our gameplay.
2. Decision Paralysis: Overthinking often leads to decision paralysis, making it difficult to make the right choices in the moment. Picking a decision and then learning from a mistake is a much quicker path to improvement.
3. Strained Team Dynamics: Overthinking can lead to negative team dynamics whether it be in ranked or with a fixed competitive team. By constantly overthinking, we tend to be more negative and critical of our team’s actions too, leading to lower team morale and an overall less enjoyable team environment.

Breaking Free from Overthinking

1. Recognize and Challenge Negative Thought Patterns: Become aware of your overthinking tendencies and identify the negative thought patterns that contribute to them. Challenge these thoughts by asking yourself for evidence, considering alternative possibilities for your performances such as playing against players with better movement or simply having an off-day. Reframe your thoughts in a more positive light – e.g. I am improving my aim playing against these players with better movement.
2. Trust Yourself: Avoid excessive analysis by making a decision and sticking with it, learn to trust your intuition and accept that not all decisions will have a perfect outcome. Embrace the learning experience that comes with making mistakes.
3. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Cultivate mindfulness to bring your focus to the present moment. Meditation techniques can help calm the mind and reduce racing thoughts. Regular practice can create a mental space that allows for greater clarity and reduced overthinking.
4. Take Breaks: Instead of spiraling into overthinking and constantly playing more in efforts to improve, engage in activities that shift your focus and promote relaxation. Physical exercise, creative pursuits, and spending time with loved ones can redirect your attention and provide a healthy outlet for stress.

Conclusion

Overthinking can be a formidable obstacle to personal well-being and improvements both in life and in game. By understanding the causes and consequences of overthinking, and employing these strategies to break free from its grip, players can regain control of their thoughts and enjoy their gaming experience more. Sometimes, you just need a reminder to enjoy the game and embrace the experience with self-compassion.