Since this is called "Observations by the Queen," I suppose you are here to read about things that I have learned or observed. Well, here goes.
I have noticed that people fall into two catagories: forward thinkers and backward thinkers. I don't mean the thinkers themselves are either intelligent or lacking intelligence, but I mean they cast their thoughts to the future or they cast them backwards to the past.
Forward thinkers could be defined as people who have a goal, a dream, a plan for their future. They look ahead to what might be with excitement and enthusiasm. Challenges, goals, and new adventures are things that draw a forward thinker ..... well, forward.
Backward thinkers spend their time in the past. They think of things that might have been and those thoughts keep pulling them back to the past. Most of those thoughts are fueled by guilt, remorse, or regret. The BW thinker is pushed through the day by events whereas the FW thinker is pulled through the day by the promise of something new and exciting. A BW thinker is reactive and not inclined to be proactive because proactive thinking requires throwing thoughts forward into the unknown. The past is more comfortable than the unknown of the future. Backward thinkers are not content because when comparing today with the past, most of that past has either been romanticized, or distorted in a negative way, and is no longer a true representation of what actually happened.
I have known both types of people and of the two groups, I have been hurt the most by the backward thinkers, whereas I have been encouraged by forward thinkers.
So the question today is this.... which kind of "thinker" are you?
4 comments:
Cynthia, I agree with your observations. Spending too much time with backward thinkers tends to drain my energy level.
I think I'm a future thinker. I think you are as well. I'm sure all our friends will agree - especially if they know what's good for them! :-)
The Lawyer
Preach on, dear Lawyer! :)
I knew there was a reason we were friends.
Yes, I would agree that you are a forward or future thinker. Encouragers have to be future thinkers because they see the good that is ahead or right in front of them. You encourage others and you keep me headed in the right direction. You're a good friend, Charlie Brown.
I'm pretty much a forward thinker, except when something bad happens. Then I tend to rehash it a little too much.
Cynthia,
Your comments resonate with me. I have the Futuristic Strength, and so far, only Brian Wilson has also come up with that in his top five. Obviously, it must rank pretty high with you.
What the Strengths finder says about those who have futuristic strength is that we must help others see what we can see. They don't do it naturally. This might involve using vivid word pictures or stories illustrating what this future vision might look like.
Sometimes it is lonely and frustrating being futuristic, because you see changes that need to be made because the future is coming so quickly. I'm glad to find someone who wants to look to the future!
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