Issue with overthinking and talking myself out of doing everything

LegacyUser

So I've always been someone who thinks about doing something or making a change. But I then spend weeks overthinking it and then eventually talk myself out of it. Well recently I decided to change that and resolved to adopt a cat which is something I've always wanted. I live with my mam and she is emigrating soon to London and has given me her blessing to get the cat.

At the weekend we went to a shelter and both fell in love with a cat, filled out a form etc. But in the car afterwards the usual doubts fell upon me. And today they've hit me again. Been fretting over the idea/thought that if I get a cat I will not be able to go travelling like I want, never mind that I'm not in a financial position to go globetrotting for a few months. But I'm just sick of getting excited about something and eventually my mind just beats me into submission and I don't take the risk and do it.

Diziet

Go and get your cat! Quite honestly, overthinking is not the problem per se, it is not doing things that is the problem. So just go ahead and get the cat. You can still overthink all you like and worry about it if you like, but these things recede very quickly once you go ahead and take some action. Cats are very low maintenance pets, anyway. You become their staff in no time :-)

Your mind does not beat you into submission, you have a choice on what you do. If you decide not to do things, it is by choice, nobody makes you. Taking action is very powerful.

LegacyUser

Thanks for the advice. I am excited about it but just can't stop my head being filled with "what ifs?" for the future etc. I am getting the cat, just heard from the shelter today, so gonna go ahead and actually follow through with what I want for a change. It may end in disaster but no risk, no reward!

Cunning Stunt

If you really are planning to go travelling, even in a few months, you will have to be sure someone can mind your cat for you. If there is someone who can do that, then go get it!

LegacyUser

Honestly travelling is just a pipe dream at the moment. But I've just been letting my grandmother get to me, she always mentions that I can't go away or out at night to socialise if I get a cat. Anyway no matter because it's all in motion,

JuliusCaesar

There was a self help book published with the title something like Something Terrible, Something Horrible Might Happen, which is all about anxiety. But how often does the Something Terrible actually happen? It seems you are being ruled by what might happen, rather than what is likely to happen: you have a cat, you want to travel, you'll find someone to look after it while you're away.

ivytwine

sickofoverthinking wrote: »

Honestly travelling is just a pipe dream at the moment. But I've just been letting my grandmother get to me, she always mentions that I can't go away or out at night to socialise if I get a cat. Anyway no matter because it's all in motion,

That's really silly of your grandmother. Cats are very low maintenance pets, the idea that you can't go out is laughable. If you keep the cat indoors you could give her a litter tray, bed etc, make sure she's a few toys etc and that she's in a space where she can't cause any damage, head out, and guaranteed when you come back she'll probably be asleep.

They're not really destructive or get separation anxiety like dogs. If you get a cat tho be sure there is someone who will take her if you go travelling. They can live to around 15 years on average and often longer, and there's enough animals in shelters as there is.

Diziet

Can't go out for a night? That's rubbish, sorry. Cats can be left as long as they have plenty of food and water, they are very self sufficient. Anything longer than a day or so and you can ask someone to come in and feed it, we do this during summer holidays.

Dark Phoenix

A cat could never prevent you going out at night. Sure reality is cats tend to do their own thing unless they want something from you. Once it has food water and shelter why on earth wouldnt you be able to go out in the evening sure its the same as going to work in the day?

One thing I will say is only get an animal of any kind if you are committed to keeping and looking after it. When you are on holidays just ask someone to mind it. I mind cats and dogs and bigger animals for friends when they are away no problem