Each person has a unique way of thinking.
In fact, the way we think influences our decision-making ability.
According to the William & Mary School of Education, thinking style is a consistent method of processing and representing information in the mind.
This style defines how individuals interact with people around them, the environment, and challenges in their lives.
Moreover, understanding our thinking style or the way our mind responds will help us gain better control, especially in how we approach challenges and opportunities in life.
Furthermore, our thinking style will help us not only to make better control decisions, but also to make smarter choices and communicate more effectively.
Thus, when a problem or opportunity arises, our decisions are affected by how our mind processes the information.
In this article, we will explore the differences between the Creative, Analytical, and Practical thinking styles and help you determine which one best defines your approach to challenges and decision-making.
Understanding How We Process Information
The Creative Individual
The VeryWell Mind defines creative persons as individuals who love daydreaming or imagining possibilities.
These individuals are known as imaginative thinkers as they enjoy coming up with new ideas, designing original things, and expressing themselves through creation rather than following patterns.
Moreover, their being creative is accompanied by resourcefulness, as they can turn something trash into a unique product.
For example, when given a school project like a scrapbook, these individuals often come up with ideas that non-imaginative people wouldn’t think of.
Instead of just cutting out pictures or downloading images and pasting them, they may place the pictures inside dried leaves, such as oakleaf fern leaves, which already have a natural design.
This is a form of creativity because what is usual in creating a scrapbook is simply pasting images.
Therefore, the decision-making process of creative individuals is primarily influenced by their imaginative thinking.
The Analytical Individual
The TopResume website defines analytical thinkers as individuals who analyze and solve problems using logical reasoning and based on presented evidence rather than assumptions.
They like to scrutinise details and think about things clearly.
For example, if you ask them why people die, they will not jump to judgment or come to a conclusion that is primarily based on their emotions or faith.
They will likely analyze the problem and conduct careful research about the reasons.
They will not answer it based on what you want to hear, but based on what the evidence says.
Therefore, the way analytical individuals make decisions is driven by factual data.
The Practical Individual
Practical persons, according to the Britannica, are individuals whose thinking is primarily driven by what is real rather than by what is possible or imagined.
They are similar to analytical individuals who use logical reasoning in decision-making.
However, what makes them unique is that they are action-oriented individuals.
So, when problems arise, they prioritize the simplest and most efficient process to save time, energy, and resources, rather than analyzing how the system works.
Therefore, when they think of something, they act on it right away because they believe that effectiveness is achieved by taking action, and not by planning.
Since we have learned about the differences among creative, analytical, and practical thinking styles, you now have a clearer understanding of how your mind approaches challenges and opportunities.
To discover which style best reflects you, take this personality test and gain deeper insight into your decision-making strengths.
Are You a Creative, Analytical, or Practical Thinker?
Disclaimer: This personality test is for informational and self-reflection purposes only and should not be used as a psychological or clinical assessment. Results may vary and should be interpreted with an open mind.
