Psychologists define thinking as the human process of using knowledge and information to make plans, interpret and model the world, and constructively interact with and make predictions about the world in general.
Each individual processes information differently, hence making plans, predictions and modeling the world as stated in the above, would differ from person to person.
Some factors that affect the process of thinking are images that are formed in our minds. We are able to think on the basis of these images especially in trying to remember an experience and you will bear with me that everybody does not experience the same thing as you therefore, the mental picture formed in our minds are different.
Another factor that can be considered is concept. Everything around us is recorded in the brain in the form of concepts and thinking cannot be done without concepts. Not only concepts but language plays an important role in our thinking processes. For thinking to flow, it generally occurs in our mother tongue or a very familiar language.
Symbols such as our national flag, logos of our organisations, religions among others also influence our thinking process. All our experiences are stored in our brains and the brain is the seat of all thinking therefore, our experiences play a vital role in our thinking.
Going back to the quote by Benjamin Franklin one of the founding fathers of The United States, a scientist, an inventor among others “If everyone's thinking alike then NO ONE is thinking.”
There are instances where our thoughts may be expressed by someone else, but there may be differences in delivery, omission or addition. It is very necessary that you always express your thought, chances are, yours may be the brightest idea. Even twins think differently.
For some of us, we would not speak up, or express ourselves because we tell ourselves ‘somebody else would say it even if I don’t.’ what if nobody does? For others, “ i am not an expert in that area” the more reason why you should contribute, that way, you speak from the angle of those who observe and that would make better sense. Experts were not born with their ability. They started from somewhere.
If you give in to your fear of being put down, you will never think proactively and would always expect someone to think for you.
Indes provides the opportunity for all ideas to be brought on board. Your idea may not work for this job but will come handy for another job.
Can you imagine how boring the world would be if we were all thinking alike? There will be no competition, no constructive criticisms to make us better, no debates, no learning and definitely no fun. There will be only few companies because the others just agree with them and all products will be the same. There will be no innovation, no creativity, no marketers; what for?.
“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition”. Steve Jobs
Confidence in ourselves will make us better people and better thinkers, for all the ideas cannot reside in one mind.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them”.Albert Einstein
It is important to note that lending a listening is okay, but doing what everyone want is simply unhealthy and out of place. Evaluate and work on feedbacks and follow your vision. We are set on a path of thinking differently and being proactive to problem solving.
