The 5 differences between attitude and aptitude

Attitude or aptitude? When we hear these two terms we tend to think of similar concepts and we even tend to confuse them very often, which is very common.

But the reality is that they could not be more different, since one deals with one's own abilities, while the other does reference to the temperament of each person, which merge to give us that unique quality that each person possesses and distinguishes.

So if they are different, why do we confuse them? This is because both terms act directly on our interrelation with the world, the way we present ourselves to it, and how we overcome its obstacles to stand out. Thus, both fitness and attitude dance in sync within our personality to form a whole.

• It may interest you: "12 traits and attitudes of brave women"

Although if you still can't see the disparities between these, don't worry. In this article you will see what the differences are between attitude and aptitude.

What is attitude and what is fitness?

Let's first define these two terms so you can learn how the two differ.

What do we call attitude?

This refers to the set of values, beliefs, opinions and responses that we have before the world, which is relatively stable over time, beginning to be created from youth and settling in adulthood. It is thanks to these attitudes that we act in a certain way in the face of different occasions and obstacles, as well as the emotional implications that it entails.

It is also responsible for the way we interact with the stimuli of the environment and we relate to others. This arises thanks to the relationship that is established from our interaction with external factors, hereditary traits, evolutionary characteristics, skills and personality traits.

What do we know by aptitude?

Aptitude is synonymous with the own capacities that we all have to face something in specific. That is to say, it is the faculties that we possess that make us ideal to achieve a goal or perform a function. for example, the skills we have for our work, to excel academically, for a sport or a special talent.

So the skills are closely related to our intellect and cognitive abilities, which are activated so that we can function effectively in any field in which we decide to act and develop ourselves.

Main differences between attitude and aptitude

Learn about the differences between these two terms below, so you can know how to recognize your own skills and attitudes.

1. Components (edit)

Regarding attitudes, we know that these are made up of three components that interact with each other. Which are:

1.1. Cognitive

It refers to the mental representation that we have before a factor to be able to act on it. So that we can study it, evaluate it, perceive it and judge it in order to form the attitude.

1.2. Behavioral

Talk about our specific behavior towards that factor that we have previously analyzed. It can be a predisposed or conscious response.

1.3. Affective

They are both negative and positive feelings that this factor produces and develops in us. These feelings are what generate the attitude.

While, with skills, these are made up of our mental and cognitive abilities. Which can be affected according to the level of agility, knowledge and talent on something specific. So all of these combine to achieve one goal.

2. Features

The main function of the aptitudes is to group all our mental capacities to prepare ourselves before a situation, so that we can execute it in the best way and even we can stand out. All this thanks to the fact that we use reasoning, verbal and written comprehension, concentration, attention, creativity, memory, skills and coordination.

While the attitude has an instrumental function, helping us to understand and study the environment in order to adapt to it, generate interactions and connecting with those around and expressing our opinions It also allows us to have a high self-esteem and justify every act carried out. .

3. Source

Although both share the tendency to be both natural and acquired.

We can say that the skills have more to do with an intellectual and reasoning element, where all our superior mental capacities are put to the test to carry out a task.

While attitudes arise due to the interaction of the environment, our behavior, our perception and the emotions that these produce us to act according to the situation.

4. Manifestations

As attitudes have a behavioral and emotional component, it is easy to express them on the outside. So it becomes our business card to the rest of the people.

On the other hand, skills have to do with a mostly internal process, which occurs in our brain and, Although we can observe it in the results of the objectives achieved, it becomes our own performance.

5. Types

There are several types of attitudes and skills, so now you know that it is not a single element, but rather a set of many actions that can work globally as well as specifically, depending on the chance.

Types of skills

It knows all the aptitude skills that work in our mind.

1. Numerical Skills

These refer to the ease, understanding and execution of problems related to mathematics.

2. Abstract or scientific skills

It is the ability to understand and visualize complex concepts that need further study.

3. Visual-motor skills

It is the ability and coordination of fine and gross movements, between the brain and the muscles.

4. Spatial skills

It refers to everything that has to do with the correct geometric handling, dimensions and spaces.

5. Mechanical Skills

With it we can understand everything related to movements.

6. Executive Skills

They have to do with the capacities of leadership, planning and group direction.

7. Verbal Skills

They are those that are manifested by understanding everything related to the use and relationship of words and texts.

8. Persuasive Skills

It is the ability to communicate to achieve an argument, conviction or order.

9. Social

It is one that is activated when interacting and establishing links with other people around us.

10. Artistic-plastics

They are the skills and abilities towards art and handicrafts. From the use of color, to the correct application of shapes and the appreciation of aesthetics.

Types of attitudes

Attitudes are a bit more complex, since They are divided into different sections depending on their 'use' so pay attention.

1. Attitudes according to affective valence

It is the one that reflects our point of view before the world.

1.1. Positive

It can be said that it is the most flattering attitude and the one that most motivates people to have. Since thanks to this we can face the world in a more optimistic way and therefore, it is easier to achieve our objectives but above all avoid wearing ourselves out in the process.

1.2. Negative

It is the way to visualize the environment in a negative or pessimistic way. That is to say that everything is too difficult, that it has not been fair to us or that we cannot with what we have in front of us.

1.3. Neutral

It is the impartial attitude that we must have in front of something so as not to give it priority or value in an unfair way. It is one of the most difficult attitudes to achieve.

2. Attitudes according to orientation towards activities

We highlight these attitudes based on our performance.

2.1. Proactive

It is characterized by being an attitude that seeks actions and autonomy, in order to improve and raise one's own performance in an activity. So it is ideal to adequately solve any problem in a creative and efficient way. Which gives us a huge range of options.

2.2. Reactive

On the other hand, this attitude refers to the actions that we take but that occur depending on the decisions of a third party. These are more passive activities that always need authorization and approval. So it does not leave such a wide margin to experiment or stand out, since we are always tied to the materials that are provided to us.

3. Attitudes according to our motivation

They are what drive us to achieve new things

3.1. Altruistic

Surely you have already heard this concept, it is about everything we do selflessly. Whose purpose is to achieve benefits for several people instead of for oneself. So sometimes we do not get any remuneration or recognition, other than the satisfaction of helping others.

3.2. Interested

In the opposite case, there is the interested attitude, in which our actions are always consistent with achieving a goal that serves only us. Regardless of whether sometimes other people's needs may be involved. It can be in an obvious way or through indirect acts.

4. Attitudes according to the relationship with others

It is the one that we show when interacting with those around us

4.1. Collaborator or integrator

It is the one that promotes interaction and collaboration between people in a group, with the aim of achieving a goal.

4.2. Passive

This attitude can derive from a negative and pessimistic view of life. In which you avoid facing or approaching a situation at all costs because you do not have the ability to overcome it.

4.3. Manipulative

It is used voluntarily and consciously to achieve a goal that benefits us personally, using everyone around us for our own interests.

4.4. Aggressive

With this attitude, people face their problems in a violent way both verbally, behaviorally or physically. He does this to prove his point and that no one can object to it.

4.5. Permissive

It is characterized in those people who tend to miss some things that are out of the norm. That is, they have extreme flexibility, to the point of allowing deviations.

4.6. Assertive

It is the most positive attitude to communicate. It is about the ability to interact with people with a balance in expressing our opinions and not letting ourselves be imposed by others.

5. Attitudes according to the assessment of stimuli

It is that attitude which we use to evaluate all situations.

5.1. Emotional

It is the one that places our emotional reactions to situations above, almost uncontrollably. Which leads us to value the sentimental value of others, but which can destabilize us.

5.2. Rational

On the other hand, this type of attitude allows us to analyze a situation in a rational and functional way to find the best possible solution. However, it can put the feelings of others aside.

Now can you differentiate your own attitudes and skills?