In contemporary discussions, divergent thinking is often celebrated as the hallmark of expansive thought. We covered that last week.
But there’s another side to it.
The allure of the unconventional and the novel, coupled with a cultural tendency to idealize those who “think outside the box,” has led to a surge in the appreciation of divergent, right-brained, non-linear thinking.
But in doing so, we risk fetishizing the unconventional. The reality is, too much of that is chaotic. And those of you who have lived experiences of being a divergent thinker might know what I’m talking about.
There’s an incredible strength to people who are grounded, methodical, and have an ability to focus (even when they don’t want to). It’s equally essential to getting the most out of this human experience.
And while I’m not the biggest fan of MBTI, I do find some benefit in continuing to use that format to explain how we might get the inspiration to increase our capacity for wisdom.
MBTI’s Sensing types (xSxx), often described as being “in the moment,” have an extraordinary ability to focus on the tangible, immediate aspects of their environment. Their relationship with the direct engagement with reality as it presents itself allows them to detect nuances and patterns in the concrete world that others might miss.
Whether it’s a mechanic diagnosing a complex issue by sound and feel, or a physician noticing subtle physical symptoms that lead to an early diagnosis, sensing types excel at making sense of the here and now.
And the reality is, arguably, the only thing that actually exists is what’s here and now.
How can we become masters of our craft if we lack the capacity to be pragmatic and grounded?
When we consider the monumental contributions to society made by people like Stephen Spielberg or Bruce Lee (even one of my old favorites, James Bond), we see that these were not just flashes of brilliance; they were the result of meticulous, sensory engagement with the physical world.
Their capacity to create order from chaos (and make it look easy) is a gift that should not be underestimated. And I like to have lots of people like this around me because they inspire me to increase my own capacity for being more present and dealing with what’s in front of me.
The truth is, these cognitive styles are not opposing forces but complementary ones.
Now… next is a list for those who lean towards divergent thinking to adopt some of the strategies and habits of sensing types. BUT next week I’m going to dive into one method I feel is a real game changer and actually naturally works with the tendencies of any type of person.
Difficulty Focusing on One Idea or Task – Use a prioritization method, like the Eisenhower Matrix, to evaluate which ideas are most important and urgent. Commit to working on one priority at a time and set specific, short-term goals to maintain focus. Use tools like timers or apps to remind yourself to stay on task and limit distractions.
Overwhelm from Too Many Possibilities – Set constraints to narrow down options—such as a deadline, budget, or resource limit—to help reduce overwhelm. Create a list of top three choices based on impact and feasibility, and commit to one of them. Practice decision-making with smaller, low-stakes choices to build confidence and reduce anxiety about making the “wrong” decision.
Struggles with Time Management and Meeting Deadlines – Use time-blocking to allocate specific time slots for different activities throughout the day. Break larger projects into smaller, actionable tasks and assign deadlines for each step. Utilize productivity tools like calendars, to-do lists, or apps that help track progress and set reminders. Incorporate buffer times to account for unexpected delays.
Trouble with Executing and Following Through on Projects – Break projects into smaller milestones and celebrate each achievement to maintain momentum. Use visual progress trackers like Gantt charts or Kanban boards to see the completion path. Consider accountability partners or regular check-ins with a mentor or colleague to keep yourself motivated and on track.
We’re living in an exciting and confronting time where we get to experience diversity in all forms, cognitive diversity should be no exception.
By recognizing and valuing these contributions, we can foster a more balanced and inclusive approach to innovation and problem-solving. After all, it is the interplay of different cognitive strengths that has propelled humanity forward, from building civilizations to exploring the frontiers of knowledge.
As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, we must remember that true innovation often arises not from any single mode of thought but from the dynamic interplay between them.
In the end, it’s a world that values and integrates all forms of cognitive strengths that’s capable of meeting the challenges of the future, individually and collectively.
Cheers,
Jeff Depatie