Galina K. (LII)

My thinking and reasoning process is constant. I honestly can’t even imagine myself not thinking about anything. Here is how the process works: if there is a specific problem or issue, I believe it’s necessary to break it down into components, think through possible solutions, choose priority areas, and make a decision accordingly.

On top of that, I completely accept the opinions of others if I find it necessary to consult with them. It depends on the issue: if it’s a work-related matter, I will naturally see the need to consult with qualified staff; if it’s purely personal, I’ll consult with someone close to me. It’s all about scenario-based thinking and choosing the best option.

Where does the information come from? Essentially from any source, though I prefer print publications and trusted internet sources. Human opinion is subjective unless it comes from an authority. Authoritative sources are those proven by time and by specific results. For example, if I've worked with someone a few times, their opinion on the matter proved to be quite competent, and the result was positive, I will certainly listen to them. But if someone is like, "Hey, let's try this, let's try that! Go here, go there!"—that doesn't register well with me. I can assume that this might just be superficial and the person might actually be quite smart and competent in the matter, but outward demeanor still definitely plays a role. If someone presents their views and insights on an issue seriously and thoughtfully, I am much more likely to listen to them than to a more erratic, expressive delivery.

I can change my mind. However, there are certain nuances: if I consider myself competent enough in a matter, at some point I will try to argue that we need to act a certain way. If people listen to me, I start small and keep building and expanding on it. But if someone doesn't care for my understanding of things, I won't kill myself over it... I'll just stick to my opinion, and that's it.

If there is disorder and chaos around me, I won't fight it. I will simply create an internal system or structure that defines this chaos in such a way that it becomes a certain kind of order for me, and I will no longer view it negatively. I'll create a structure that conceptualizes this chaos and shelves it away in some distant compartment. In other words, whatever exists has a right to exist, even if it's something dark or negative; it's an unfortunate reality, but it will fit into this system and go somewhere onto a distant shelf in the attic—meaning, I have the information on it, and that's enough.

If there is negative information that doesn't interest me, I won't delve into it or get bogged down by it. For instance, if people are sitting around discussing TV shows... why would I need that? I'll just sit there with a smart look on my face, thinking about my own things.

Source: How to Raise a Child Without Complexes by O. Mikhevnina