From Overthinking to Overcoming: A 3-Minute Rule

Hey there, Overthinker
Let’s set the scene. You’re at the mithai shop, staring at a counter loaded with kaju katli, rasgulla, and gulab jamun. Your family said, “Get whatever you like,” and now you’re sweating bullets. Which one will make everyone happy? Which one has fewer calories? And before you know it, 20 minutes have passed, and the shopkeeper is looking at you like, “Aaj decide kar loge?”
Sound familiar? Overthinking, our old frenemy, strikes again.

But whether it’s mithai, job offers, or that eternal chai vs. coffee debate, here’s a solution that can save you from hours of mental gymnastics: The 3-Minute Rule.

What’s the 3-Minute Rule?

It’s simple: Set a timer for 3 minutes and make your decision within that time. That’s it. No “What ifs?” No “Let me ask four more people on WhatsApp.” You just decide. Why does this work? Because it forces your brain to prioritize what’s important and tune out the noise.

Here’s the kicker: If you can’t decide in 3 minutes, you probably already know the answer. (Read that again.)

Why It Works:

As Indians, overthinking is practically in our DNA. Blame it on the “log kya kahenge” culture or the fact that we love overanalyzing every small thing. But science says that when you limit your decision-making time, your brain stops chasing unnecessary details and focuses on the essentials.

Examples in Real Life:

1. The Zomato Conundrum: You’ve been scrolling through food options for 15 minutes. Stop. Set a timer. Order what you first felt like eating.

2. The Wedding Outfit Dilemma: Lehenga or saree? Gold jewelry or minimal? Decide in 3 minutes, because nobody’s going to remember your earrings by the end of the night.

3. The Big Stuff: Even for bigger decisions—career moves, marriage proposals—3 minutes can help you lean into your instincts instead of drowning in doubt.

How to Use It Today:

1. Start Small: Practice with low-stakes decisions like what to eat for dinner or which emails to answer first.

2. Stick to the Timer: Resist the urge to extend the limit. 3 minutes means 3 minutes.

3. Reflect Later: Not every decision will be perfect, but you’ll train your brain to move.

Why It’s a Game-Changer:

Overthinking is a luxury we can’t afford anymore—not with life moving so fast and Swiggy orders taking just 20 minutes.The 3-Minute Rule frees you from the endless loops of indecision and gives you clarity, confidence, and, most importantly, time.

Your Challenge for the Week:

Try the 3-Minute Rule for three decisions this week. Start small and notice how much lighter and faster you feel. Bonus points if you can share your experience with us—whether it’s a success story or an epic fail (we’ve all been there).

As they say, jo hoga dekha jayega!

Until next time,
Overthinker

P.S. Fun fact: Even Jeff Bezos uses a version of this rule for decision-making. If it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for us.