{"id":341,"date":"2021-03-05T11:00:41","date_gmt":"2021-03-05T16:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/?p=341"},"modified":"2022-07-25T07:33:29","modified_gmt":"2022-07-25T11:33:29","slug":"concrete-thinking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/concrete-thinking\/","title":{"rendered":"Concrete Thinking: The Pros and Cons"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you ever interpreted an instruction quite literally that you were the only one who did something different in the room?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perhaps, you felt strange at that time while all the attention was on you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being a concrete thinker is a gift, but in extreme cases, it could also <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/concrete-thinking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hold you back<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from reaching your goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That&#8217;s why we need to learn how to strike a balance between concrete thinking and abstract reasoning.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Concrete vs. Abstract Thinking<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-354 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/examples-of-concrete-thinking.png\" alt=\"examples of concrete thinking\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/examples-of-concrete-thinking.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/examples-of-concrete-thinking-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/examples-of-concrete-thinking-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/examples-of-concrete-thinking-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Concrete and abstract thinking are two different types of reasoning that allow us to view situations from different perspectives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might ask:\u00a0 <em>so what\u2019s the difference?\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In simple terms, concrete thinking is the complete opposite of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.testgrid.com\/blog\/2019\/4\/9\/so-what-actually-is-abstract-reasoning-and-why-is-it-important\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">abstract reasoning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you think literally, it means you use literal definitions, physical objects, and facts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With abstract reasoning, you go beyond literal thinking, especially when you\u2019re presented with new and unfamiliar situations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">[divider width=&#8221;full&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em><strong>Recommended Reading:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Br<a href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/living-in-bubble\/\">eaking the Barrier: How to Stop Living in a Bubble<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/brain-tips-for-great-success\/\">Great Success: 5 Tips to Train Your Brain for Greatness<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/personal-development-questions\/\">43 Personal Development Questions to Help You Become the Best Version of Yourself<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[divider width=&#8221;full&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><b>The Concrete Thinkers<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-357 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/needle-in-a-haystack-idiom.png\" alt=\"needle in a haystack idiom\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/needle-in-a-haystack-idiom.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/needle-in-a-haystack-idiom-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/needle-in-a-haystack-idiom-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/needle-in-a-haystack-idiom-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pause for a moment, and think hard\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try to recall the time when you told someone that it\u2019s \u201craining cats and dogs,\u201d and they began anticipating for real cats and dogs to fall from the sky.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Or perhaps, when they heard the idiom, \u201cbite the bullet,\u201d and believed that somebody actually bit one?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you recall somebody who takes everything literally?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maybe they have a hard time interpreting what \u201cbreak a leg\u201d means or \u201cneedle in a haystack,\u201d or even \u201cfall in line\u201d&#8230;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If so, that person could be a concrete thinker, who\u2019s subconsciously fixated on the physical world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To put it simply, concrete thinkers often have a hard time understanding metaphors which is why they could hardly \u201cread between the lines.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>The Abstract Thinkers<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-350 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinking-vs.-abstract-thinking.png\" alt=\"concrete thinking vs. abstract thinking\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinking-vs.-abstract-thinking.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinking-vs.-abstract-thinking-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinking-vs.-abstract-thinking-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinking-vs.-abstract-thinking-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other side of the spectrum, abstract thinking refers to how we humans think about intangible things. It allows us to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/singularityhub.com\/2017\/12\/28\/what-is-it-that-makes-humans-unique\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">imagine and think beyond<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> what we can see, hear, touch, and taste.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abstract thinkers, unlike literal thinkers, usually consider metaphors and analogies in an attempt to understand the world. That\u2019s why some of them can \u201cread\u201d other people\u2019s personalities and intentions solely by observing and interpreting verbal and non-verbal social cues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, abstract thinkers have the ability to envision an entire object without seeing the entirety of it. When put into practice on a regular basis, abstract thinkers evolve as critical thinkers over time. They can develop their reasoning skills, too, faster than their counterparts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who lack abstract reasoning skills often have a hard time using their imagination. Or they might find it difficult to develop an understanding of other people&#8217;s emotions &#8212; much less empathy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, some conditions delay or prevent abstract thinking. Intellectual disabilities, dementia, schizophrenia, or even traumatic injuries are some of the few culprits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"lead\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/brain%20type%20assessment\"><strong>&#8211;&gt;&gt; What&#8217;s your brain type? Take the FREE Test here. &lt;&lt;&#8211;<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is concrete thinking?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-348 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinking-benefits.png\" alt=\"concrete thinking benefits\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinking-benefits.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinking-benefits-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinking-benefits-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinking-benefits-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Concrete thinking, also called literal thinking, is a type of reasoning that focuses on immediate experiences and physical objects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In other words, if you\u2019re the kind of person who leans more towards concrete thinking, you base your reasoning solely on what you could sense physically &#8211; on what you feel, hear, see or experience altogether.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019d probably be surprised to know that the initial form of reasoning we develop as humans is concrete thinking. It happens during the early stages of our childhood \u2014 to allow our developing brains to process and understand the existence of physical things around us.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Development for concrete reasoning is usually gradual and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/atd-hostos-childdevelopment\/chapter\/cognitive-development-the-theory-of-jean-piaget\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">happens as early as the infancy stage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But as babies grow older and wiser, they begin to interpret symbols, metaphors, and even philosophical concepts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The benefits of concrete thinking<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-347 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinker.png\" alt=\"concrete thinker\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinker.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinker-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinker-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinker-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Concrete thinking is not an entirely bad thing as it helps us shape how we perceive the world around us.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By knowing how to think concretely, we can separate our thoughts from our emotions and begin to see things as they really are. It can be beneficial in certain circumstances, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to a study, first responders, who have undergone concrete thinking training, experience<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2016\/05\/160505104841.htm#:~:text=of%20traumatic%20memories-,People%20who%20may%20be%20exposed%20to%20trauma%20can%20train%20themselves,symptoms%2C%20according%20to%20a%20study&amp;text=Using%20a%20thinking%20technique%20called,a%20traumatic%20event%2C%20say%20scientists.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> fewer encroaching memories<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from traumatic experiences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/medicalxpress.com\/news\/2011-11-concrete-self-help-treatment-depression.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In another study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, people suffering from depression were asked to re-examine and analyze a recent upsetting event. Those who used concrete thinking were able to reduce their symptoms of depression. Concrete thinking reduced the subjects\u2019 depressive tendencies to worry, overthink and draw inaccurate conclusions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are only a couple of examples of how concrete thinking can be beneficial to those who tend to ruminate and worry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When faced with any traumatic experience, it is said that it\u2019s easier to cope if you can think objectively as it helps build resilience and significantly reduces intrusive memories. Concrete reasoning, therefore, can be a vital survival skill.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The risks of thinking too concretely<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-359 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/thinking-exercises.png\" alt=\"thinking exercises\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/thinking-exercises.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/thinking-exercises-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/thinking-exercises-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/thinking-exercises-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned earlier, concrete thinking is great in some situations, but it can also be detrimental in some cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most important factors in social skill development is understanding another person&#8217;s point of view while putting yourself in their shoes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But too much reliance on concrete thinking could inhibit your ability to empathize, relate to other people, and learn.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cons of too much concrete thinking include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overlooking other people\u2019s social signals, such as body language, facial expression, behavior, among others;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Becoming devoid of empathy towards others;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Lack of imagination;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tendency to focus more on rigid behaviors and literal interpretations;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflexibility may cause conflicts among different people;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Things to keep in mind when dealing with a concrete thinker<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-346 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinker-literally.png\" alt=\"concrete thinker literally\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinker-literally.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinker-literally-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinker-literally-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/concrete-thinker-literally-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When we first meet a concrete thinker, it\u2019s likely that they\u2019ll seem like a real challenge to deal with.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you tell a concrete thinker that something needs to be done as soon as possible, they might end up misunderstanding what you truly mean. Rather, it is best to provide an exact date and time when you want the task to be completed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limiting sarcasm and jokes is also important when communicating with a concrete thinker. As mentioned earlier, it\u2019s difficult for them to understand abstract ideas. They don&#8217;t play with words, so they might take everything literally.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What to do when you lack concrete thinking skills<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-355 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/learn-to-balance-thinking-skills.png\" alt=\"learn to balance thinking skills\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/learn-to-balance-thinking-skills.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/learn-to-balance-thinking-skills-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/learn-to-balance-thinking-skills-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/learn-to-balance-thinking-skills-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re experiencing some challenges in concrete thinking, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that there\u2019s nothing you can do about it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you\u2019re more of an abstract thinker, you can train your brain to be better at thinking concretely! The goals are simple: for you to worry less and transform those inaccurate assumptions into concepts that you can explore rationally.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, here are some things you can do to improve your concrete thinking skills:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/brain%20type%20assessment\"><strong>&#8211;&gt;&gt; What&#8217;s your brain type? Take the FREE Test here. &lt;&lt;&#8211;<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><b>Talk to your therapist.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-358 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/talk-to-a-therapist.png\" alt=\"talk to a therapist\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/talk-to-a-therapist.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/talk-to-a-therapist-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/talk-to-a-therapist-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/talk-to-a-therapist-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nobody gives better mental health advice other than your trusted therapist. After all, they understand you and your condition better than anyone else. They might even give you some exercises tailor-fit for you, so you can unlock your concrete thinking skills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">[divider width=&#8221;full&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em><strong>Recommended Reading:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Br<a href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/living-in-bubble\/\">eaking the Barrier: How to Stop Living in a Bubble<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/brain-tips-for-great-success\/\">Great Success: 5 Tips to Train Your Brain for Greatness<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/personal-development-questions\/\">43 Personal Development Questions to Help You Become the Best Version of Yourself<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[divider width=&#8221;full&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><b>Take a few tests.\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trying to make sense of all that\u2019s going on in your brain is a tall order. But one way to do this is to take some tests. Speak with your therapist so you would know which tests are more appropriate for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Make an effort to analyze concrete details.\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-352 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/connect-the-dots.png\" alt=\"connect the dots\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/connect-the-dots.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/connect-the-dots-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/connect-the-dots-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/connect-the-dots-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most common problems for people, when they\u2019re learning a new skill, is that they don\u2019t make an effort to use it. The same goes with literal thinking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need to use your concrete thinking skills regularly so you can keep honing them. Remember, the brain is a muscle. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/kids.frontiersin.org\/article\/10.3389\/frym.2014.00005\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The more you use it, the better it gets!\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to develop your abstract thinking skills<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-353 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/empathize-with-others.png\" alt=\"empathize with others\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/empathize-with-others.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/empathize-with-others-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/empathize-with-others-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/empathize-with-others-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking everything literally can sometimes affect the way you engage with others. So, if you\u2019re motivated to change that for the better, here are a few things you can do to boost your abstract thinking skills:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk more to people and try to understand their perspectives;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Empathize with others and try to walk in their shoes;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travel to different places, and experience different cultures to get new ideas, experiences, and perspectives.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consult a mental health expert and seek some advice about how you can improve your abstract thinking skills.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-356 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/learn-to-think-better.png\" alt=\"learn to think better\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/learn-to-think-better.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/learn-to-think-better-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/learn-to-think-better-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/learn-to-think-better-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Concrete thinking can be beneficial if you use it to grasp things and situations that are meant to be understood objectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But always remember that to make the most out of your life, you need to be able to strike a balance between concrete and abstract thinking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can put yourself in the shoes of others, and still be able to think objectively, then you\u2019re on the right track.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>I hope you learned a few things from this. So, what do you think?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can choose between being an abstract thinker or a concrete thinker, which would you rather be?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let me know in the comments below!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-520\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/concrete-thinking-683x1024.png\" alt=\"concrete thinking\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/concrete-thinking-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/concrete-thinking-600x900.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/concrete-thinking-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/concrete-thinking-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/concrete-thinking.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Disclaimer:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Creativity Mesh.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Too concrete for your own good? Or is it the other way around? Learn how to strike a balance between abstract and concrete thinking here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":349,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[7,11,8,12],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-341","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-self-development","tag-brain-hacks","tag-creativity","tag-mind-hacks","tag-psychology","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/341","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=341"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/341\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1154,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/341\/revisions\/1154"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/349"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=341"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=341"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=341"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=341"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}