An Issue

[Cole1jones]

What is it called when you have a tendency to think out things you are supposed to do prior to doing them? And when you actually do whatever that is you are robotic and out of touch. I tend to do this a lot even when I don't try.

[Agora1]

Well Cole1jones, there is something called "Anticipational Anxiety" which in itself

can cause even worse symptoms than doing the proposed problem.

Almost like a robotic movement of "Okay I'm here physically but not mentally" state

of mind. xx

[Cole1jones in reply to Agora1]

I'm pretty sure that's exactly what I have even without looking at the definition. I once thought of it when I was younger like it was a super power but later in life it has just proven to be a set back. And what is even more harsh is when I learned other people notice how out of touch I am when the time comes.

[Agora1 in reply to Cole1jones]

Yes Cole, other people may notice when we are out of touch or preoccupied

with our symptoms but NEVER will someone understand what it's like.

The mind struggle is something others don't see and can't understand unless

they too have gone through it.

That is why, this community is so important to all of us. Knowing that we are

not alone. Others on this forum, know and understand as well as care. xx

[Cole1jones in reply to Cole1jones]

For me, it isn't even mainly in worry or doubt as the definition goes it's more of me thinking out things completely feeling them out until I think I have it down pack everything I will do. And then when the time comes it all falls apart because life isn't subject to my mind. The older I have gotten the worse this can be because I'll even trick myself into thinking about this process and partaking in it in unusual ways. I've been doing it too long.

[Agora1 in reply to Cole1jones]

Don't forget, what we think is what we get. xx

[Cole1jones in reply to Agora1]

Hey, are there any other stories similar to your own? To me, you sounded as if you have overcome Anxiety when it creeped up. Are their others with similar stories here?

[Agora1 in reply to Cole1jones]

Yes Cole1jones there are others who have overcome anxiety through acceptance

as well as control. Hopefully they will respond to your inquiry. xx

[IncognitoC]

I get that too, it’s like a dejavu type scenario. Mine I always think that it’s going to be a bad outcome so I prepare myself or totally avoid it.

[Cole1jones]

I don't I tend to trick myself even though I know I usually have what one would call bad luck most times I prepare as though it's all going to go smoothly. And when it doesn't I act as if I didn't realize that is the usual occurrence. I basically psych myself up to continue the cycle.

[Agora1 in reply to Cole1jones]

You see Cole, if we think negatively that is what we will get. And you are right,

the cycle will continue on and on.

Focusing on negativity whether from fear or loss of self esteem perpetuates itself

not only each and every day but throughout the night. The subconscious mind

grabs onto these negative thoughts and replays them over and over while we sleep.

How can we help not waking up to the same scenario we unconsciously heard all

night.

The way to cure this is through Meditation (Self-Hypnosis, Affirmations,

Positive Reinforce, Brainwashing). It takes time, patience and consistency.

At least 30 days before your subconscious mind even starts in trying to comprehend

what it's hearing and make changes. The longer you listen to positive words and thoughts

the stronger your respond will get when you are in a stressful situation. xx

[Cole1jones]

I tend to fell to realize I am creating the bad luck (so to speak) by trying to live the moment before living the moment. Any ideas on how to get past this?

[fauxartist]

Unless it's obsessive rumination, thinking things out before you take action is I think just thinking ahead, which is smart, instead of being impulsive.

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to fauxartist]

smart as in a survival mechanism. impulsively exactly. actions that are poorly conceived, prematurely expressed, risky, inappropriate to a situation that result in undesirable outcomes, a tendency to act prematurely without foresight causing the undesirable results to the individual and those around them.

it wouldn’t be compulsivity, diametrically opposed to impulse, a tendency to repeat the same, purposeless acts, associated with undesirable consequences, that can pursuit unrewarding rituals for shortterm gains despite negative longterm consequences. rituals not pleasurable tasks for their own sake. they’re neutral, irritating, unpleasant behaviors that are performed to reduce anxiety.

[Cole1jones]

No, the version that I'm referring to isn't just thinking ahead the term Anticipation Anxiety that someone referenced seemed more along the lines. It isn't like obsessive rumination at least by description to me.

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to Cole1jones]

Your frontal brain is working magnificent, your inclination to not be impulsive, a life threatening issue depending on what you’re doing, is working healthily. The inability to execute anything that’s been thought out attests itself to the infinite variables unforeseen in life or meticulous planning, your propensity to not be mindfully engaged with the task you’ve tediously planned out in certain thoughtful detail.

[litethatnevergoesout]

planning. visualizing. then a little autopilot while working off the blueprint you made.

[MaggieSylvie]

Good teachers always do this (not for every lesson unless they are newbies) because lessons that are not thought out beforehand frequently come up with obstacles that does not allow for efficient learning in the students. You would, no doubt, make a good teacher.

[Cole1jones]

Thank you all for this. But I'd really like ideas of how to stop doing it.

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to Cole1jones]

it isn’t very clear what exactly you are trying to stop doing?

[Cole1jones]

Overthinking situations I know or believe I am going to do before I actually do them.

[Cole1jones]

Another way of putting it is I tend to do this: I will think about something I know I am about to do before I am about to do it. I'll think it out pretty much entirely as if I'm preparing to do it right at the moment all the way down to what I will say and bodily movements. And then when it's time I'll be robotic and discombobulated because I can't remember what I planned or because ultimately I'm just socially awkward

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to Cole1jones]

It’s not much unlike actors in theatre. the script and blocking is memorized and rehearsed. even at that point the performance in front of an audience is intended to be portrayed as completely natural and realistic authenticity. I would suggest less rigid planning in your mind and cut out the fine details so you work off of a generalized plan which would allow for impromptu moments and more natural spontaneity, welcome the occasions of freedom from a strict and exact expectation. welcome errors. So much genius in the world comes from accidents.

[Cole1jones]

Thank you. I'll try that.