Over-analyzing situations often pulls us into endless thought spirals, stopping us from being fully present in the moment. As humans, we have amazing cognitive abilities that let us plan, reflect, and create — but we also need to be alert when our thoughts start to overshadow reality. That’s exactly where the idea of “Think Less” comes in. This practice centers on mindfulness (正念): it puts action ahead of the long, unnecessary analysis tied to overthinking. In the end, it not only boosts productivity but also helps us live more purposefully, focusing on what truly matters instead of getting stuck in our heads.

“Think Less” isn’t about giving up responsibilities or shutting down our brains. Quite the opposite — it encourages deliberate control of our thought processes. For example, when facing a task, we focus on the immediate steps needed instead of worrying nonstop about every possible mistake or outcome. In busy daily life, we easily get trapped in thoughts about the past (regretting errors) or future (anxiously guessing what might happen). “Think Less” clears this mental clutter (杂乱), giving us a calmer, clearer mind to handle daily challenges with confidence.

Simple mindfulness techniques help practice “Think Less”. One effective method is mindfulness meditation: sit quietly, close your eyes, and focus fully on your breathing. When distracting thoughts pop up, don’t fight them; gently guide your focus back to breath. Mindful journaling also works: spend a few minutes daily writing down inner thoughts. This releases stress and helps you spot overthinking patterns, deepening self-understanding. These small acts slowly reduce anxiety, sharpen concentration, and balance emotions.

Finally, an action-oriented mindset is key. Instead of overthinking decisions, ask: “What’s one small step I can take now?” Mistakes aren’t failures — they’re feedback for growth. Taking calculated risks and acting bravely leads to more progress than staying stuck in thought. Remember, “Think Less” isn’t about skipping deep reflection; it’s about balancing thought and action. Combining mindfulness with action frees us from overthinking, boosts happiness, and lets us build a peaceful, purposeful life filled with moments we truly experience.

1. 1. What is the main effect of over-analyzing according to the first paragraph?

A    It weakens cognitive abilities.

B    It stops the present focus.

C    It reduces productivity.

D    It causes poor planning.

2. 2. What can we infer about “Think Less” from the second paragraph?

A    It requires ignoring duties.

B    It asks for stopping thinking.

C    It leads to mental chaos.

D    It needs thought control.

3. 3. How does mindful journaling help practice “Think Less”?

A    By making people fall asleep fast.

B    By reducing physical pain.

C    By helping reduce stress.

D    By improving physical health.

4. 4. What does the author emphasize about mistakes?

A    They should be avoided at all costs.

B    They are opportunities to learn.

C    They indicate a lack of ability.

D    They require more deep reflection.