The One Thing I’d Change About Myself: A Hiker’s Perspective
Daily writing prompt What is one thing you would change about yourself?
View all responses As someone who has spent countless days trekking across the country’s most beautiful trails, I’ve come to realize that hiking is as much a mental journey as it is a physical one. When you strip life down to its bare essentials—just you, your gear, and the trail—you can’t escape the company of your own thoughts. Along the way, I’ve faced my fair share of blisters, unexpected weather, and wildlife encounters, but the most challenging moments have always involved self-reflection.
So, what’s the one thing I’d change about myself? My tendency to overthink.
The Overthinking Mind on the Trail
Overthinking has been both my greatest strength and my biggest hurdle. On one hand, it’s made me meticulous when it comes to planning trips. I research trails endlessly, pack with precision, and anticipate challenges. However, this same tendency can spiral into self-doubt and analysis paralysis.
Take, for instance, the time I was hiking the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park. It’s a stunning route, perched on a ledge with breathtaking views of the valley below. But instead of soaking in the beauty, my mind was consumed by “what ifs.” What if I slip? What if the weather changes? What if I didn’t pack enough water? The mental noise drowned out the serenity of the moment.
While overthinking has its practical benefits, it often robs me of fully immersing myself in the experience. That’s why, if I could change one thing about myself, it would be to quiet that inner critic and embrace the present moment more fully.
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Get on Amazon How Overthinking Has Shaped My Journey
Overthinking doesn’t just affect my time on the trail—it seeps into every aspect of my life. When I was younger, this tendency made decision-making feel monumental. Should I move to the Grand Canyon for a summer job at 23? What if it didn’t work out? What if I hated it? Those doubts almost held me back from what turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life, sparking a lifelong love affair with the outdoors and leading to my current lifestyle.
The same pattern plays out in relationships, career moves, and personal goals. Overthinking can trick you into believing that the risk isn’t worth it, that failure is too costly, or that you’re not ready yet.
Ironically, my hiking adventures—often planned down to the smallest detail—have been my greatest teachers in combating overthinking. Nature doesn’t care about your plans. A sudden storm, a washed-out trail, or a detour forces you to adapt on the fly. Over the years, I’ve learned that no amount of mental preparation can replace being present and flexible.
Lessons Learned from the Trail
Hiking has taught me that overthinking is like carrying unnecessary weight in your backpack. The more you lug around, the harder the journey becomes. Here are some lessons I’ve picked up along the way:
1. You Can’t Control Everything: No matter how much you prepare, there will always be variables beyond your control. The sooner you accept this, the easier it is to roll with the punches.
2. Trust Your Instincts: On a solo hike in the Grand Tetons, I encountered a fork in the trail that wasn’t marked on my map. Instead of agonizing over the decision, I trusted my gut—and it led me to one of the most stunning alpine lakes I’ve ever seen.
3. Live in the Moment: Some of my most memorable hikes weren’t meticulously planned. They were the spontaneous ones where I let go of expectations and just enjoyed the journey.
4. Progress Over Perfection: It’s okay to make mistakes. Whether it’s taking a wrong turn or forgetting to pack an item, every misstep is an opportunity to learn and grow.
The Role of Vulnerability
Acknowledging that overthinking is a flaw hasn’t been easy. It requires vulnerability—a willingness to admit that you’re not perfect and that you don’t have all the answers. For years, I tried to suppress this trait, believing it made me weak or indecisive.
But hiking has a way of breaking down those walls. When you’re miles away from civilization, vulnerable to the elements, and reliant on your own skills, you realize that imperfection is part of being human. And that’s okay.
By embracing vulnerability, I’ve come to see overthinking not as something to “fix,” but as something to manage. It’s a part of who I am, but it doesn’t have to define me.
Practical Steps Toward Change
Changing an ingrained habit like overthinking isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few strategies I’ve been working on, both on and off the trail:
1. Practice Mindfulness: Whether I’m hiking or at home, I try to ground myself in the present moment. Deep breaths, focusing on my surroundings, and even journaling help me quiet my racing thoughts.
2. Set Limits on Planning: Before a trip, I give myself a set amount of time to plan. Once that time is up, I commit to the decisions I’ve made and move forward.
3. Challenge Negative Thoughts: When my mind starts spinning with worst-case scenarios, I ask myself, “What’s the likelihood of this actually happening?” More often than not, the answer is “very slim.”
4. Take Action: Overthinking thrives on inaction. By taking small, deliberate steps—whether it’s hitting the trail or making a life decision—I disrupt the cycle of rumination.
5. Lean on Support: Sharing my thoughts with friends, family, or even fellow hikers has been a game-changer. Often, they’ll offer a perspective I hadn’t considered, helping me see the bigger picture.
Embracing Growth
While I’d love to say I’ve completely conquered overthinking, the truth is that personal growth is a lifelong journey. Just as no hike is ever perfect, neither is self-improvement. What matters is that I’m making progress, one step at a time.
Hiking has been both a mirror and a guide, reflecting my inner struggles while offering solutions. It’s taught me to embrace uncertainty, trust myself, and find beauty in imperfection. And for that, I’m grateful.
So, if I could change one thing about myself, it would be to quiet the overthinking mind. But in a way, I wouldn’t want to completely erase it. After all, it’s part of what makes me, me. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s balance. And like every great trail, that balance is found in the journey, not the destination.
If overthinking resonates with you, or if you’ve faced similar challenges, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share your story in the comments below or connect with me through my hiking adventures on Hikercarl.com. Together, we can navigate the trail toward self-growth and a more peaceful state of mind.
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