In a changing world it is easy to make assumptions that no longer hold true. One of the commonest ways that we can do this is called ‘blinkered thinking’ or ‘extreme thinking’.
Blinkered thinking happens when we only see part of the picture. We see the world in terms of extreme opposites: either “utter failure” or “success beyond our wildest dreams.” We make mountains out of molehills or we ignore the elephant in the room. Reality, of course, lies somewhere in between.
To get a better grip on our understanding of what is happening, we first need to realise that the blinkered or extreme thinking is happening. The key sign to look out for is the use of ‘extreme’ words such as “everybody”/“nobody,” “always”/“never,” “impossible”/“inevitable”, and so on. If we are suffering from the extreme thinking ourselves, these can be surprisingly difficult to spot. But anybody who uses words like these might well be suffering from extreme thinking.
Once you have spotted these words, the next step is to realise that these extreme thoughts are not reality, they are only assumptions — and in a changing world these assumptions might no longer hold true. So identify what is the opposite of the extreme. And then look for the possibilities that lie between the two. Here is where reality lies. And as you look more closely you will find it. You might confirm that, “Yes, the extreme thinking is correct, and these are the specific reasons why it is correct.” This will bring you new clarity about what actions to take… Or (usually more likely) you will realise that the situation is not as bad (or not as rosy) as it is being painted. And once again, your actions then become clearer. (Chapter Two describes this in more detail.)
Spotting our elephants and molehills is a key step to recognising when we or other people are in the grip of extreme thinking. That is the first step to building a more accurate understanding of the situation. And that then enables us to find and take the actions that will make us more likely to create the outcomes we want.
And all of this is another step forward in understanding the situation more clearly, so that we can use change to become stronger and more valuable.
Do you know a politician or radio show host who loves to make mountains out of molehills or who is ignoring the elephant in the room? Are you or is someone you know doing this? What would be a more balanced assessment of reality?
Adapted from Inner Leadership: a framework and tools for building inspiration in times of change.
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