What is box thinking?
Box thinking describes the tendency to put people—and ourselves—into rigid categories: “that’s how I am,” “that’s how he/she is.”
Such categories can provide orientation—but they can also limit us.
Especially with topics like ADHD, overload, or stress, box thinking quickly leads to overlooking differences or underestimating talents.
Why box thinking is problematic
- It reduces complex personalities to a label.
- It keeps us from seeing new possibilities.
- It creates pressure to fit into a “category”—even if it doesn’t fit.
- It can prevent us from developing further.
How to overcome box thinking
- Recognize that labels are not the whole truth.
- Ask yourself: “What possibilities do I have beyond this category?”
- Allow yourself to live more than one identity—creative, diverse, contradictory.
- See differences as strengths, not defects.
Your next step
Letting go of box thinking means giving yourself more freedom. You are not limited to one role—you can actively shape your identity.
The bestforming app helps you with this:
- with reflection exercises that make you aware of your versatility,
- with routines that strengthen you instead of restricting you,
- with tools that encourage you to try out new facets.
Get the app and start your journey out of the box—and into your own diversity.