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Are you an abstract thinker? We all use both concrete and abstract thoughts, depending on the situation. But most individuals tend to have a dominating, favored version. And this has a significant impact on how they live their lives. An abstract thinker means looking deeper and drawing connections.
Definition Of An Abstract Thinker
An abstract thinker looks at the big picture to see how everything fits together—what’s the underlying message, the patterns and structures of the task at hand and the alternatives to make everything work together. The definition of an abstract thinker highlights these aspects. Abstract thinkers are skilled at finding connections and comfortable with images and meaning. If they only have a rudimentary understanding of a subject, they prefer general advice to step-by-step instructions.
Now that we know what being an abstract thinker means, let’s see who a concrete thinker is. What’s the difference between a concrete thinker and an abstract thinker?
Concrete thinkers are more at ease in the present with what they can physically see and prove. They prefer being told what to do and have little tolerance for scheduling changes or ideation. They despise having to understand a message or follow directions that confuse them.
Consider two people who attend a webinar on increasing Twitter engagement: a concrete thinker and an abstract thinker.
A concrete thinker can concentrate on specific strategies that they demonstrated to work in the past. They are likely to follow the instructions given to them. Whereas, an abstract thinker could be more intrigued by what such approaches reveal about human behavior and how you can adapt these insights to all facets of human contact in the workplace (and beyond) to encourage, engage and build connections.
This brings us to the concept of abstract thinking. Allow us to define abstract thinking.
Defining Abstract Thinking
The term ‘abstract thinking’ refers to the ability to see the fuller picture and context of an event or idea. Abstract thinkers can think beyond the here and now by reflecting on events and concepts.
To define abstract thinking means defining symbolic thinking. Both are inextricably linked to one another. Our society and culture rely heavily on the ability to articulate ideas through symbols. The Statue of Liberty, for example, is more than just a statue—it’s a symbol of liberty. An abstract thinker uses words as signs for things, concepts and sentiments. Therefore, language is philosophical as well.
Abstract thinking requires several skills. Humor is an excellent illustration of abstract thinking at work. Comedians are masters of abstraction. They pay attention to the world around them and are able to spot inconsistencies, paradoxes and wrongdoings. They make jokes out of strange connections.
So, how can you use abstract thinking skills? Abstract thinking has several benefits. It equips you to:
- Make things
- Communicate metaphorically
- Solve issues
- Comprehend concepts
- Examine circumstances
- Develop hypotheses
- Put things in context
How do you know if you’re an abstract thinker? Here are some signs you’d associate with an abstract thinker.
- After discovering a unique piece of knowledge, you try to find a connection between this piece of knowledge and something else. Examples will help explain such things.
- You know those children who are always asking, “Why?” You ignore the scoffs and continue to probe until you’re satisfied
- Instruction manuals are great the first time you read them, but after that, you believe the concepts apply to all similar equipment
- You care more about the spirit of regulations than the text of the law
- You have problems recalling specific historical facts, but you can discuss broad trends
- You devote time to contemplating critical questions. What is the purpose of life? What is awareness and how does it work?
- When someone wants to encourage you, they must first explain why something is vital, rather than simply telling you how to do it
- You’d rather not be told how to go about things. All you need to know is the goal and the rules. You prefer figuring out the steps yourself
- You’re tired of the same old routine. You like to try new things and aren’t afraid to change your mind if it means you get a better result.
Jobs For Abstract Thinkers
There are many jobs for abstract thinkers based on the skills they possess. The different fields where abstract thinkers can find a job range from artistic and investigative to creative. Let us now look at the jobs for abstract thinkers, designated under these fields.
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Artistic
Abstract ideas about art make abstract thinkers frequently gravitate to artistic occupations. To understand how art pieces interact with the environment and human conditions, such thinking is required. Writers, especially authors and reviewers, who use abstract thinking to create or deconstruct works of art may employ abstract thinkers. Graphic design, photography and music are some other artistic options for abstract thinkers.
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Investigative
Investigative occupations depend on ideas and are best suited to persons who think in abstract ways. Fact collection, hands-on activity, variety and reasoning are all things they enjoy. Examples include strategic planners, biological scientists, industrial engineering technicians, physicists, mechanics, detectives and forensic researchers.
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Cognitive
Abstract thinkers want to make sense of the world around them, and they employ logic and reason to accomplish this. Mathematicians, computer programmers, systems analysts, philosophers and scientists are examples of these types of jobs.
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Creative
People who think abstractly do better working alone than in groups. Many people, such as writers, entrepreneurs and designers, cherish the opportunity to manage their enterprises and set their own work hours. Abstract thinkers are self-contained thinkers who prefer to keep their thoughts to themselves and shun commonplace concepts.
Conclusion
It’s not always simple to think abstractly, and it doesn’t always come naturally. But abstract thinking is one of the most effective tools for tackling the most challenging engineering issues, and you’ll be grateful for it when you finally crack problems with ease.
So, don’t wait. Check out Harappa’s Thinking Critically course now!
