New-age problems require new-age solutions. ‘Retardmaxxing’, a response to excessive thinking, has become viral in the latest edition of What’s Hot Online. The term is a response to a modern and very real frustration: feeling stuck, despite wanting progress. The idea behind the term is simple: stop waiting and start doing. Instead of endlessly planning, the focus should be on starting imperfectly and immediately. Do the work and adjust along the way. Let action, not overanalysis shape the outcome. People argue that it is not about being reckless, or ignoring the consequences. It’s choosing mental gridlock over momentum. The philosophy resonates because chronically overthinking is familiar. Overanalyzing conversations, replaying past decisions, and spiraling into ‘what ifs?’ can feel productive. Excessive analysis can increase stress, disrupt sleep, reduce focus and strain relationships. The cycle drains mental energy and leaves people emotionally tangled. But from a psychology perspective, why are so many people prone to chronic overthinking.Sonal Khangarot is a licensed rehabilitation counsellor, psychotherapist at The Answer Room. She tells indianexpress.com that “from a psychological standpoint, chronic overthinking develops often as an unconscious coping mechanisms. The brain believes that by analysing a situation repeatedly, it can avoid pain, failure or rejection. Overthinking can cause mental traffic to get stuck in loops of the past or future. This pattern is also known as analysis paralysis and gives the illusion of preparedness and control. For people with anxiety, trauma or insecure attachment styles she says overthinking temporarily shields from uncertainty because it keeps them mentally busy. “However it draws attention away from the moment, increasing stress and indecision. Over time, your brain learns to worry more than act. Breaking this cycle involves learning emotional regulation, tolerance for uncertainty, and grounding methods that gently bring the attention back to now. Khangarot explains that anxiety is a result of avoidance. When we delay taking action, our brain interprets it as dangerous and increases fear. “Taking small, deliberate steps creates corrective experience that shows the mind that the task is manageable. This reduces catastrophic thinking and builds self-efficacy. It also interrupts rumination cycles, shifting attention away from imagined outcomes and towards real feedback in the moment. Healthy action still requires basic reflection on safety, values, and consequences. As long as you combine awareness, realistic planning and emotional regulation, starting before you are ready can reduce anxiety by breaking the paralysis. Story continues below. Strategies to help people balance thoughtful preparation with decisive action Evidence based therapies offer practical methods to balance planning and action. Khangarot says, “From Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, use time-limited thought: give yourself 10-15 minute to plan, write pros/cons and then commit to a small step. Behavioural Activation helps break inertia through scheduling manageable tasks. Gradual exposure builds confidence by taking small steps instead of waiting for certainty. She adds, “From ACT, clarify core values before taking ‘values based micro-actions,’ even when anxiety or perfectionism is present. DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) teaches a skill called the Wise mind — pause and regulate emotions by breathing or grounding. Then decide using logic and feelings. The combination of thoughtful reflection and small, consistent actions prevents both impulsivity as well as paralysis.
