Paradox mentality: what it is, how it helps us, and how to enhance it

Is it difficult for you to find the solution to the different problems? The only way to innovate and find new possible solutions is by considering all the alternatives, even those that may seem contradictory.

When we are faced with different demands, we tend to consider a solution, not contemplating other possibilities that may be just as valid. The paradoxical mentality consists in considering all the alternatives, even the opposite ones between them, since that it has been proven that this conflict is what opens our minds and helps us to innovate, thus being more creatives.

Stability isn't bad, but it can sometimes mean getting stuck on an idea and not coming up with a solution. Expanding the options gives us greater flexibility, thus increasing the possibility of success. It has been seen in different studies that the exercise of this ability increases the probability of finding the correct solution.

In this article you will know better what is meant by paradox thinking, how useful it can be, what studies support its effectiveness, why it is considered useful for job success and what we can do to increase it.

• Related article: "The 8 Higher Psychological Processes"

What is the paradox mindset?

To better understand the concept of paradox mentality, let's first look at what words form it. Paradox is defined as a fact that is believed contrary to logic, in other words, one in which two poles are constituted opposites that seem not to be able to appear at the same time or that it does not make apparent sense that they occur together, but it is not impossible.

This contradictory approach a new perspective to the situation, something that can help solve the problem or to the presentation of new alternatives that had not been taken into account before, helping to expand the possibilities and to present a more divergent, lateral thought, which gives rise to new ideas and breaks with the consideration habitual.

In this way, the paradox mentality consists of joining, accepting, the opposite alternatives, since this improves mental flexibility and creativity and thus productivity. When we find ourselves blocked without finding new alternatives that can solve the problem, a good strategy is to propose the opposite versions in order to expand the possibilities.

The human mind has a tendency to select a solution, the one that comes to us more easily, leaving other possibilities nullified. For this reason, when this alternative contemplated in the first place is not the correct one, it is difficult for us to change direction and we tend to get stuck on that thought. To break these limitations, it is proper to consider the opposite alternatives since they allow a new vision of the situation, innovating the alternatives and making their resolution more likely.

• You may be interested: "Mental flexibility: what it is, what it is for and how to train it"

Paradox Mindset Investigations

The first to propose the concept of paradoxical mentality was the psychologist Albert Rothenberg., after obtaining the results of a study he carried out at Harvard University with the purpose of knowing the mentality or way of thinking of the most relevant geniuses of the time, subjects who had been deserving of the Prize Nobel.

After interviewing more than 20 authors and taking into account the biography of others who have already died, he concluded that the majority, in the verification and constitution of his theories, had made different formulations of opposites at the same time, that is, they had contemplated contradictory statements at the same time.

A typical example of this paradoxical cognition is that experienced by the well-known scientist Albert Einstein, who proposed that depending on the place from where the same object was looked at, it could be considered moving or still.

To understand it better, let's imagine we are traveling by train, on the small table in front of us we have left our bag; Well, according to our reference, the bag will be still, but if someone outside the train sees it, while it is on the way, they will perceive that the bag is moving.

Given the usefulness of this type of thinking among subjects who have made important contributions to our society, It would be necessary to verify if this cognition can also appear in the general population, that is, in individuals with abilities. averages. For this purpose, different experiments have been carried out, such as the remote association test or the candlestick test, which are intended to understand or find the hidden connection that different ideas or thoughts have, being necessary divergent thinking.

Prior to performing these tests, the participating subjects were asked to think of three actions or statements contradictory, such as "sleeping is more tiring than being awake" that are perceived as contrary, but that can be possible. Well, when the two tests were presented to the individuals, it was observed that those who had practiced the three contradictory statements showed a higher percentage of success in solving the tasks compared to the control group that had not done the training previous.

Thus, it can be seen how a simple previous task, where paradoxical thinking had been exercised, allows greater efficiency in the execution of subsequent tests, favors greater creativity and a greater number of possible solutions.

• Related article: "Cognitive psychology: definition, theories and main authors"

What is this way of thinking for?

Although, as we have seen, this cognition can be useful in different areas of our lives, it has been seen as especially functional for success at work. This type of thinking generates a conflict between two alternatives that seem contrary, choosing to affirm the two and thus get out of our comfort zone. We should not understand the conflict as something to avoid, but rather that it gives us the possibility to change, to acquire new perspectives and to grow.

It has been observed that paradoxical cognition allows coping with different demands in a more optimal way, that is, the worker manages to adapt to different situations more easily and is efficient under Pressure. It is important that this capacity is present in the leaders, since in this way the whole group will benefit.

Companies can choose different ways of acting; for example, they may focus on productivity that will benefit them now, but will make it difficult for them to adapt in the future; or in innovation that does not generate as many profits at first, but through which it is easier to adapt to change. The Paradox Mindset consists in not choosing between one of the actions, but adjusting them to fit the situation, in periods of greater job stability, be more productive and opt for innovation before change.

• You may be interested: "Cognition: definition, main processes and functioning"

How to enhance the mindset of paradox?

As with other skills, although we may have a greater or lesser prior predisposition, we can train them and work to increase them. Let's see what strategies can be useful to achieve such an increase.

1. Using the paradoxical mentality in everyday situations

In order for this type of thought to appear more easily in more complex situations, it is necessary or it can help first to raise it in more complex situations. simple, it is logical to think that as we use it more, if we use it more frequently, it will be easier for it to finally present itself automatic.

It is believed that Einstein himself trained his paradoxical ability by facing the contradictions of everyday life.. Thus, being attentive to the oppositions that arise during the day and considering the two possibilities as equally valid allows us to exercise our necessary flexibility for resolution.

2. Don't avoid conflict

As we have already said, the conflict, the consideration of opposites, helps our growth and development of the creative capacity, paradoxically facilitating the conception of new perspectives and being able to propose other solutions. So do not avoid these contradictions accept them as possible and feed on them. Understanding that not everything in life is black or white, we can find the two colors together.

3. Consider the different possibilities of the situation

Choosing the first solution that comes to mind, the solution that seems obvious, does not help us at all, making it difficult to truly find the correct answer. Faced with a lawsuit, consider all the possible alternatives, even those that are contradictory to each other and It seems impossible to conceive together, since that way we open our minds and it is easier to arouse the resolution correct.

Stability can be good on some occasions, but it can also cause us to stagnate and that we do not see beyond the same solution, innovate and take into account possibilities that may seem contrary to you.

4. Activate paradoxical cognition

Three steps have been proposed to follow in order to activate paradoxical thinking and, therefore, be more creative: first formulate the question in different ways, do not always repeat it in the same way, since we will only block you more, try stating it positively and negatively or changing places of the terms; don't be afraid of the conflict, it may seem that by proposing opposites we are hindering the resolution or we are acting against us, but far from being so we are benefiting ourselves; and get out of your comfort zone, open your mind and accept other possibilities is the only way to innovate and find new answers.