First of all, please look at the graphic below: What do you see? Please do not read on until you have formulated a statement for yourself.
Given the three forms there are numerous options, how you could answer: Some simply see three rectangles. Others see two identical rectangles and a third, different one. Still others realize that the two right rectangles together are as big as the left one. Or you may find that the left shape is horizontal, while the two right shapes are vertical. Everything correct. And yet the answer reveals something about it, How you view the world..
➠ Content: What you can expect
How do you look at the world?
To say it right up front, the above Self-test does not come from us, but from the US life coach Tony Robbins. And of course it is not a scientific or depth-psychologically valid test. Still, there’s a lot of truth in it that can tell us a lot about our thinking and perception.
What really happens?
First of all, you only describe a simple picture with three forms. In fact, at the same time it shows you, How you take in information, process it, understand it, sort it in. Or, in short, it tells you whether you’re primarily..
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Commonalities
recognize. Robbins also calls these different types "matchers" and "mismatchers" respectively.
According to him, it’s easy to tell the two apart – just ask them questions about their Relationships or to various objects. Depending on what they focus on – similarities or differences – this says a lot about them.
Too simple? Of course, the world is not only black and white. Personalities are definitely more complex, no question.
It is also true, however, that our thinking often follows patterns. Some of these were learned or trained in early childhood until they finally passed into our subconscious mind. A perception on autopilot. Prejudices, Stereotypes and cliches are all based on the fact that they are.
And so we regularly find ourselves in these Thinking patterns again:
Find common ground
Some people respond to this world by seeing connecting and commonalities above all else. No matter how big the conflict – there is always some similarity, match, (soul) kinship. These are people who then also in the above graphic primarily three rectangles recognize or three grey Shapes with four edges each – no matter if one is lying or two others are standing. The three always have unifying features.
Seek opposites
But there is just the other faction: these people mainly target differences. They love to differentiate. That has its justification and is also factually not wrong at all. It’s just that this thinking focuses mainly on separateness. It looks first at the disparities, discrepancies, and divergences in. In the extreme, however, this can be a relationship killer. Racism, sexism (but feminism too) are such extreme forms.
Disconnect or connect – an essential difference
Whether you look for or recognize rather separating or connecting things makes a big difference. You can add to the above Dualism Finally, we can also look at it the other way around – positively:
- Let’s say you have a job that is primarily driven by Repetitive and identical work processes is characterized. Someone who primarily aims for differences will most likely not be happy in it. Such types rather look for and love the variety, the kick.
- Conversely Matcher hardly become happy in a profession that is especially due to always new Challenges, creativity and flexibility shines. There are simply too few commonalities, routines and certainties here.
- Likewise, in meetings or negotiations, it can make a huge difference if you know, Who you are discussing with right now, negotiate or who you want to convince. Do you have one Matcher in front of you, they will immediately be more open-minded if you emphasize commonalities – or, conversely, argue in a differentiated manner and emphasize the diversity of your proposal.
The important thing with this little self-test is to understand the two types not only as extreme poles on a scale and to positively or negative to evaluate, but rather to recognize yourself in it, challenge one’s thinking.
The others do not think about it wrong or correct – only differently. This can be an enrichment for both sides and open new perspectives. But it can also sometimes lead to us lying to ourselves or to our own pockets Making snap judgments.
Exactly before that the test should in the future preserve. At least a little bit.