Black and white thinking involves thinking in extremes. You are either with the matter or against it. And you believe yourself to be right and others wrong. And do not understand that things are way too complex. For instance, if you have a matter like capital punishment. Then you will think about either for or against it. And not in the middle. It is an extremely rigid kind of thinking. And you are always struck by the ‘ all or none philosophy. Your inflexibility will make you alone and depressed. When one says, what is black and white thinking? It is a way of thinking in absolutes. And you may ask what causes black and white thinking? It can be due to several reasons.

Additionally, when you believe in all or none in a matter then you are unable to take a middle stand. Sometimes, it can show signs of anxiety. And some people show narcissistic traits. And such people make the lives of others around them difficult. They are stuck in their beliefs. And do not come out of it. Moreover, even if the situation gives them a loss then also they will not change their values. And could lead to the suffering of the family members. These people cannot grow and stay stagnant in their lives. Moreover, there is a chance that they will develop some kind of mental health problem in the future.

In this article, we will discuss the meaning of black and white thinking in detail. Furthermore, how it can affect life. And could there be a solution to this thinking?

 

‘I will never be able to perform well.’ Here the statement shows signs of extreme thinking. You think of yourself as a failure. And who cannot perform well? And so you do not try at all. Also, you need to experience success to change the pattern of thinking. Sometimes it becomes difficult to change the thought process. So, you remain stuck in your beliefs for a long time. It can make you suffer because you will miss a lot of chances in life. Therefore, you may know now what is black and white thinking. And what causes black and white thinking?

Furthermore, childhood teaching and learning could play a role in forming this kind of thinking pattern. It can affect you at work. you cannot form strong relationships with another person. And will always fight or argue with others. And you cannot progress in your career because of your rigidity. You would eventually need to change your attitude. Because everyone who shows extreme behavior would change to adapt. Moreover, we cannot survive in society without meeting certain standards. You see, some words are related to extreme thinking. For instance, always, never, perfect, impossible, and so on.

First of all, your relationships will be affected. You will not be able to form long-term connections. Your partner or you will leave each other for a while. Because of your inflexibility, your friends will stay away from you. Moreover, your family will suffer a lot because of your actions. For instance, you are the father. And you dictate everything to your family. And you mark your words on stone. So, no one else has any say in anything. Therefore, your family will have money problems. Your children will not be able to make independent decisions. As you will force your decisions on them. And you will make their lives miserable. So, your spouse will seek divorce. But you will still not change your behavior.

Furthermore, you will not be able to stick to a job. And you will not be in a condition to feed your children. But still, you will keep your rigid thoughts. As you believe that you are right and everyone else is wrong. And you will not value what your partner says or what others say. Also you should learn in detail about what is black and white thinking. And what causes black and white thinking?

Second of all, you cannot succeed career-wise. You will not be able to bond with your colleagues. And you argue often. And despite warnings, you will not change an ounce of your attitude. Moreover, your rigidity will make you lose your job. And you will not be able to find work as per your skills. People like those who are flexible and not rigid. Similarly, everyone favors those who are ready to resolve and let go of the past. But you are rigid and grumpy.

First of all, you will not be able to learn anything in life. Because deep down you believe yourself to be right in every matter. And it leads to stagnation of your mind. And you will be inflexible. Also, you will keep on making mistakes and not learn anything from them. For instance, you lost your job because of an argument with your boss. But you will repeat such a thing many times. Even if your life is deeply impacted by it. And you need to understand what is black and white thinking. And what causes black and white thinking? Then you might want to change some things about yourself.

Second of all, your health will be affected. You believe that you need just carbs. And the fat and other food will give you diseases. So, you eat rigidly. It could lead to deficiencies. And despite your doctor’s suggestion, you will not change yourself.

You see people who give immense importance to themselves. And ignore the interest of others. Moreover, you lack empathy for others. And so you will be narcissistic. Similarly, such people are not liked by others. As they do not see anyone else other than themselves. You can know what is black and white thinking. And what causes black and white thinking?

Second of all, people with borderline personalities often think in rigid ways. And they have black and white thinking. Moreover, they act impulsively. And have difficulty in relationships.

• You need not see yourself from a single result. As there will be different situations and outcomes. And learn about what is black and white thinking. And what causes black and white thinking?
• You can remind yourself about rational thinking. And do this a lot of times.
• Next of all, you can try to find the opinions of others.
• Furthermore, if you have a mental health condition then seek help.
• Moreover, you need to accept yourself. And then only you can change.

For more information, you can click “Courses” on the navigation bar as there are several online courses that can help in many areas, please check them out. Moreover, the course titled, Perfectionism, will help you in dealing with your issues.