What Box-Thinking Means
Box-thinking describes the tendency to put people and situations into categories:
“You’re that kind of person.” – “That never works for me anyway.”
It simplifies the world, but also limits our perspective.
Why Box-Thinking Creates Stress
- Restriction: rigid categories take away your freedom.
- Prejudices: relationships suffer from hasty judgments.
- Self-limitation: you lock yourself in a box (“That’s just how I am”).
- Conflicts: people feel misunderstood or devalued.
Ways Out of Box-Thinking
- Practice openness: don’t categorize immediately, but listen.
- Ask questions: be curious instead of judging too quickly.
- Flexibility: accept that people can change.
- Self-reflection: consciously question your own categories.
First Steps
- Observe your own thoughts: When do I put others in a “box”?
- Write down situations where you could react differently.
- Replace a judgment with an open question.
- Remember: people are more than a label.
Your Next Step
Box-thinking may seem convenient – but it blocks relationships and identity.
The bestforming app supports you with:
- reflection tools for thought patterns,
- routines that promote openness,
- exercises that help you gain new perspectives.
Get the app and free yourself from categories – for more freedom in your relationships.