neuropsychology
The brain has 3 different ways of thinking – which one do you recognize yourself in?
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No brain is like the other – fortunately! But there are three ways of thinking, one of which most of us predominantly use. And it influences how we see the world and how we act.
Our brain is a wondrous organ. It works like a computer, processing information and sensory impressions in a matter of seconds. Its most important function: it can think. However, this way of thinking is not the same for everyone. And our brains have another wonderful property, and that’s neuroplasticity. This means the ability of the brain to keep changing its structure, such as the synapses and nerve cells, and thus to react to new situations and requirements. This means: Our brain can develop further every day and develop and use new ways of thinking. Of course it does more for some people and less for others.
There are three main ways of thinking that we all have – but use to different degrees. This is partly due to our imprints and our experiences, our environment, but also to the thoughts and beliefs that we cultivate every day.
The 3 different ways of thinking
1. Logical thinking
Logical thinking is about facts. People in whom this way of thinking dominates are usually very analytical, they seek clear answers to their questions. If we mainly encourage and practice this linear way of thinking in ourselves, we may unlearn the creativity that is inherent in all of us. Instead, we always only look at all problems analytically and critically and may therefore have difficulties in discovering new and imaginative solutions. A sense of control is very important for people who think almost exclusively in this mode. Anything that they can’t fit into a logical template is very difficult for them to grasp. This is where it can help to get out of your comfort zone – and consciously practice creative thinking.
2. Creative mindset
The second way of thinking is the creative one. Here, questions are not immediately answered with clear facts, but with ideas. There is no clear answer, but many possible solutions. When people primarily use this creative mode of thinking, they tend to be very imaginative and bubbling over with ideas. You are flexible and open. At the same time, they sometimes lack the structured, analytical element of logical thinking. They shimmy from idea to idea and occasionally have problems thinking things through to the end with all the consequences – or bringing them to fruition.
3. Flexible mindset
The third mode is the flexible mindset, which balances the other two. Approaching questions and problems in this way uses the best of both worlds: the logical mind with its analytical skills and the creative mind with its openness and imagination. People whose brains work like this most of the time often manage to look at situations with the necessary rationality and distance, but at the same time be open to all possible solutions. This is how really creative, new ideas that are thought “out of the box” can arise.
Practice thinking: This is how you train the different ways of thinking
As mentioned at the beginning, we all have the three ways of thinking in different forms within us. But depending on how we grew up, what values and beliefs we were given (for example: “Don’t be a dreamer!”) and of course where our individual talents and preferences lie, we may use one mode more than the other.
And here we come again to the wonderful property of neuroplasticity: We can practice thinking – in all ways of thinking. Once we have seen how our brain usually works, we can reflect on whether it is really always good for us. If you are more of an analytical type, you may benefit from training your creativity and openness and thus getting a whole new perspective on the world. If you tend to dream your way through the world and don’t want to commit yourself, you can perhaps challenge your logical skills a little more often and really use your talents.
But ultimately that is exactly what is wonderful about us humans: that we are so versatile and no one person thinks and acts like the other. But dealing with it and questioning how we tick can help us to understand ourselves better. Albert Einstein already knew: “Problems can never be solved with the same way of thinking that created them.”
Sources used: teachthought.com, gedankenwelt.de, gesundheitsinformation.de, blog.neuronation.com