Exhaustive Mind

About a year ago, I decided to start a project I’ve always wanted to do. I started writing a manuscript in hopes of publishing a book. This began as a focus on the strategic processes I’ve used to help partners reach audiences with targeted goals. It then morphed into an exploration of my challenges with overthinking. This is where I mention that I am NOT a licensed therapist, or any kind of healthcare professional. I’m just a dude who came to realize ways my overthinking has actually helped me.

As I continue to navigate the publishing process, I’ve decided to start dropping some of my content into a blog. My goal with this is to share (maybe gather feedback) and help to refine my manuscript.

What is an Exhaustive Mind?

Ex·haus·tive /iɡˈzôstiv/

Adjective

  1. examining, including, or considering all elements or aspects; fully comprehensive.
  2. tending to exhaust or drain, as resources or strength

This word kept popping into my head, and I failed to come up with a better explanation for how it feels to never turn off your thoughts. I could not think of a single word which described the way my brain works that was better than exhaustive. The two definitions I could find through Google and Dictionary.com both aligned with how things tend to work inside my skull. If I’m being completely honest, these two definitions are out of order for me. I can confidently say that from that moment when I was 15, there were times my thoughts were solely exhausting and draining. Some of those moments warrant the mental strain of a tragedy, or life changing event, but many more are based on things which probably shouldn’t be as impactful as they are. Whether it is at home, or at work, I spend way too much energy chasing rabbits down holes which are fruitless, or even irrelevant to how things will play out in reality. I had been running so many mental marathons, my brain ended up in impeccable shape! I now realize how much my exhaustive mind had helped me by focusing on the first definition above, in being fully comprehensive.

This content is coming from a manuscript, so apologies for the length of posts associated with it. I am cutting out pieces in an attempt at keeping things short, but it’s a balance and there will be times I fall off the bar. For now, I’m going to focus this content around the following chapters in my manuscript. You can look for an inconsistent publishing cadence, with some portion shortened as no one wants to read chapters of text in a blog format. I’ll be updating this page as your primary landing spot for new content, so enjoy!

  • Think Like a Designer
    Unlock your exhaustive mind’s true potential by learning to “think like a designer”. This human-centered approach transforms overthinking into a superpower, guiding your thoughts toward innovation. Embrace empathy, prototyping, and strategic testing to solve problems effectively and drive success in every aspect of your life.
  • Unlocking Your Inner Superpower
    Is your exhaustive mind a burden or a superpower? I believe it’s the latter. By embracing your constant thoughts and channeling them strategically through analogy, intersection, and patience, you can transform overthinking into a powerful tool for innovation and success in life and work.
  • We All Want Something
    Navigating daily interactions reveals that negotiation extends beyond high-stakes scenarios to every exchange. Understanding human agendas, utilizing frameworks like Maslow’s Hierarchy, and recognizing the importance of vulnerability can foster collaboration. By embracing these insights and a comprehensive mindset, we can transform negotiations into opportunities for mutually beneficial outcomes and deeper connections.
  • Let’s Talk About It: Mastering Intent, Audience, and Medium in Communication
    In our interconnected world, communication is the lifeblood of relationships, both personal and professional. It’s the bridge that connects ideas, fosters understanding, and drives progress. Yet, despite its ubiquity, effective communication remains a skill many of us… Read more: Let’s Talk About It: Mastering Intent, Audience, and Medium in Communication
  • Balancing Actions and the Exhaustive Mind
    We all juggle numerous responsibilities and actions that can significantly impact our mental state, particularly for those with an “exhaustive mind,” a term that perfectly encapsulates the experience of constant overthinking. Let’s delve into how these actions… Read more: Balancing Actions and the Exhaustive Mind