Most of us think compulsively all the time. It’s like we are afraid that if we let that chatter go silent, we might lose a part of ourselves. That’s why Taoists talk about quieting the mind. Challenge perfectionism, stop overthinking, and take the leap to action—growth comes from being comfortable with who you are.
“She gives no thought to self.
She is perfectly fulfilled.”
(Tao Te Ching, Chapter 7)
Overthinking is a mental trap: it is a way of stalling, second-guessing, and often paralyzing our ability to act. The attempt to control every outcome and manage every detail of life inevitably leads to frustration and unhappiness.
The more we dissect our thoughts and ourselves, the further we stray from a natural sense of satisfaction. Fulfillment comes from moments of stillness and a natural connection with life. Most of us think compulsively all the time. It’s like we are afraid that if we let that chatter go silent, we might lose a part of ourselves.
That’s why Taoists talk about thoughtlessness—quieting the mind. They believe it’s the only way to truly connect with the world without all the mental noise getting in the way.
The act of “giving no thought to self” isn’t about abandoning one’s identity, or being passive. It is about letting go of the need for validation and stopping the chase for an idealized success.
In the quiet space between who we think we are and who we might become, there lies a hidden reservoir of potential.
In a social context where identity is often shaped by external expectations—our careers, our achievements, our failures—it is easy to become trapped in a rigid image of who we are supposed to be. We mistake the layers of our past for the essence of our being.
Lao Tzu’s teaching reveals a transformative path: to release these attachments and, in doing so, free ourselves to evolve.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
WRITE A NEW STORY OF YOURSELF
We often cling to past identities, but letting go frees us from old narratives, creating space to grow and adapt to new possibilities.
RESIST THE URGE TO BE EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE
Fulfillment isn’t about becoming a perfect version of yourself or living up to external expectations. It’s about being comfortable with who you are, without the need to constantly refine or justify it.
UNBOX YOUR OWN POTENTIAL
Releasing labels like “I’m not good at this” frees you from limiting beliefs, allowing you to approach challenges with a fresh mindset and embrace new roles with ease.
DON’T OVERTHINK WHAT YOU COULD BECOME
Overthinking often leads to imagining countless scenarios, creating endless mental loops. The truth is, no amount of thinking can prepare you for life’s surprises. Embrace what comes next, rather than overanalyzing every detail.
CHALLENGE PERFECTIONISM AND TAKE THE LEAP
Letting go means releasing the need for perfection. Progress isn’t about flawless moves—it’s about taking action, even imperfectly. Growth happens in the doing, not in endless planning. Embrace the messy middle to unlock real learning.
(An excerpt from the book Be a Vessel, not a Chaser – Lao Tzu Lessons of Success, by Monica Laura Rapeanu & MONLart Publishing)
