Neuropsychology
The brain has 3 different ways of thinking – which one do you recognize yourself in?
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No two brains are the same – luckily! But there are three ways of thinking, and most of us primarily use one. And that influences how we see the world and how we act.
Our brain is a miraculous 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 thinking is not the same for all people. And our brain has another wonderful property: neuroplasticity. That means the ability of The brain, its structure, i.e. the synapses and nerve cells, constantly change and thus 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, this happens 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 due, among other things, to our influences 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 who are dominated by this way of thinking are usually very analytical and look for clear answers to their questions. If we primarily encourage and practice this linear way of thinking within ourselves, we may forget the creativity inherent in all of us. Instead, we always look at all problems analytically and critically and may therefore have difficulty discovering new and imaginative solutions. A sense of control is very important for people who think almost exclusively in this mode. Anything that they cannot fit into a logical template is very difficult for them to grasp. Here it can help to leave your own 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 not one clear answer, but rather many possible solutions. When people primarily use this creative mode of thinking, they are usually very imaginative and brimming with ideas. You are flexible and open. At the same time, they sometimes lack the structured, analytical element of logical thinking. They move from idea to idea and occasionally have problems thinking things through – or bringing them to completion – with all the consequences.
3. Flexible mindset
The third mode is the flexible mindset, which creates a balance between the other two. Anyone who approaches questions and problems in this way uses the best of both worlds: the logical way of thinking with its analytical skills and the creative way of thinking with its openness and imagination. Those whose brains usually work like this often manage to view situations with the necessary rationality and distance, but at the same time be open to all possible solutions. This allows really creative, new ideas to emerge that are thought out of the box.
Practice thinking: This is how you train different ways of thinking
As I said at the beginning, we all have the three ways of thinking within us to varying degrees. 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 often than the others.
And here we come back to the wonderful property of neuroplasticity: We can practice thinking – in all ways of thinking. Once we have considered how our brain usually works, we can reflect on whether this 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 completely new view of the world. If you prefer to dream your way through the world and don’t like to commit yourself, you might be able to challenge your logical skills a little more often and really use your talents.
But ultimately that’s exactly what’s wonderful about us as humans: that we are so versatile and no one person thinks or acts like the other. But engaging with and questioning what makes us tick can help us understand ourselves better. Albert Einstein already knew: “You can never solve problems with the same way of thinking that created them.”
Sources used: teachthought.com, Denkenwelt.de, gesundheitsinformation.de, blog.neuronation.com