Beyond Right or Wrong: 6 Effective Tips to Combat Polarized Thinking and Foster Greater Understanding

What is Polarized thinking?

Polarized thinking, also known as black-and-white thinking, is a cognitive distortion in which a person views situations, people, or things as either good or bad, right or wrong, with no middle ground. This type of thinking can lead to negative emotions such as anxiety, frustration, and anger. It can also cause interpersonal conflicts and poor decision-making.

For example, someone with polarized thinking might view a coworker who disagrees with them as completely wrong and untrustworthy, rather than seeing them as having a different perspective that could be helpful in finding a solution. Similarly, they might view a political opponent as inherently evil, without considering the possibility that they have valid reasons for their beliefs.

How do you Recognize Polarized Thinking?

So how can you combat polarized thinking? Here are some tips:

1. Recognize the signs of polarized thinking

The first step in combating polarized thinking is to recognize when it’s happening. Signs of polarized thinking include:

• Using words like “always” or “never”
• Thinking in absolutes, such as “If I’m not perfect, I’m a failure”
• Seeing things as either all good or all bad
• Feeling intense emotions such as anger or anxiety when someone disagrees with you
• Making quick judgments without considering alternative perspectives

If you notice yourself engaging in any of these behaviors, take a step back and try to see the situation from a more balanced perspective.

How to Combat Polarized Thinking

2. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help you become more aware of when you’re engaging in polarized thinking and can give you the space you need to consider alternative perspectives.

One way to practice mindfulness is to set aside time each day to meditate or do a mindful activity such as yoga. During this time, focus on your breath and observe your thoughts without judgment. When you notice yourself engaging in polarized thinking, acknowledge it without judgment and try to let it go.

3. Challenge your assumptions

One of the main drivers of polarized thinking is assuming that you already know the truth about a situation or person. To combat this, challenge your assumptions by asking yourself questions such as:

• “What evidence do I have to support my view?”
• “Is there another way to look at this situation?”
• “What would happen if I considered alternative perspectives?”

By asking these types of questions, you can begin to see situations from a more balanced perspective and reduce the impact of polarized thinking.

4. Consider the gray areas

Another way to combat polarized thinking is to recognize that most situations have shades of gray. Try to see the complexities and nuances of situations and consider alternative perspectives. This can help you avoid the trap of polarized thinking and lead to better decision-making.

For example, if you’re having an argument with a friend about a political issue, try to consider their perspective and understand why they feel the way they do. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with them, but it can help you see the issue from a more balanced perspective.

5. Seek out diverse perspectives

One of the best ways to combat polarized thinking is to surround yourself with people who have diverse perspectives and opinions. Listen to what others have to say and try to understand their perspectives, even if you don’t agree with them. This can help you see situations from different angles and avoid the trap of polarized thinking.

If you find that you’re only surrounding yourself with people who agree with you, try to branch out and seek out people who have different opinions. You might be surprised at how much you can learn from them.

6. Focus on common ground

When engaging in discussions with others, try to focus on common ground rather than differences. This can help reduce the impact of polarized thinking and lead to more productive conversations.

Challenge Yourself and Evolve!

In conclusion, polarized thinking is a cognitive distortion that can lead to negative emotions and poor decision-making. By recognizing the problem, practicing mindfulness, challenging assumptions, considering the gray areas, seeking out diverse perspectives, and focusing on common ground, you can combat polarized thinking and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Subscribe to our newsletter for Health and Wellness tips, & learn more about Life Stages.

Check out our Community page for upcoming pop-up events and Life Adventures.

Our Affinity Wellness page offers free outdoor wellness events for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities across the Bay Area and Pacific Northwest. 

Visit our Knowledge page for Articles, books, blogs, social media accounts, and podcasts that will help you as you evolve and self actualize