Finding My Thinking Style

Not too long ago I came across a blog post talking about two types of people: the ones who talk to think and the ones who think to talk. I was certainly in the first category and this “aha” moment explained all the times I spent rambling in meetings and in life.

This realization helped me be more mindful about when it was time to think and how to do it. I even spent a coaching session going through what to do when I had to convey an idea during a meeting, without dragging my talking for too long.

Let’s face it – we all get stuck sometimes. How to use the short time I have to develop my thoughts, get unstuck and stop rambling? How to engage with my thoughts in a deeper, more exploratory way? If I have very little time, writing is the best way to convey an idea or message.

But if I have more time, there are three main ways that this can happen, as a colleague (a coach!) explained:

Talk to think: I can talk to a friend or a coach, or even AI! The key is having someone (or something) respond to what I’m saying.

Walk to think is another option. Movement is a game-changer for a thought process. Just getting outside for a short walk does wonders. Sometimes it’s while I’m cooking dinner or even cleaning the house – anything that gets me physically doing something while my mind works.

And the last one is stop to think! Writing in a journal, sitting quietly for 15 minutes, or just staring out the window thinking about a problem can lead to some great insights. Disconnect from electronics, maybe put on some music, and just let my mind work without distractions.

When was your last “aha” moment, and how were you thinking when it happened?