THE THINKER OR THE STINKER: WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

 

The Thinker or the Stinker: Which One Are You?

When faced with a challenge, do you pause, reflect, and approach it with strategy and clarity? Or do you rush in, overcomplicate things, or freeze altogether? In other words: are you the thinker—or the stinker?

Though the phrase might sound humorous, it holds a deeper truth about how we navigate problems, make decisions, and manage our reactions under pressure. Let’s explore what each type means, and how we can shift from being a "stinker" to a more thoughtful, effective "thinker."

🧠 The Thinker: Calm, Curious, Calculated

Thinkers are not necessarily the smartest people in the room—they’re the ones who pause long enough to understand the room.

Traits of a thinker:
•Asks questions before offering solutions
•Breaks down problems into manageable parts
•Resists emotional reactions and knee-jerk decisions
•Learns from mistakes and adapts
•Seeks input without losing direction

In workplaces, thinkers are the ones who spot the risks others overlook. In personal life, they’re the friends who give solid advice—not just what you want to hear. They don’t have all the answers, but they know how to think their way to them.

💨 The Stinker: Rushed, Reactive, Resistant

Now let’s be honest—we’ve all been stinkers at some point. Stress hits, ego kicks in, and instead of taking a moment to breathe and analyze, we react. Badly.

Traits of a stinker:
•Makes decisions based on emotion or impulse
•Blames others when things go wrong
•Avoids difficult questions or feedback
•Struggles to adapt when a plan fails
•Confuses speed with effectiveness

Being a stinker doesn’t mean you’re dumb or incapable. It often means you’re overwhelmed, underprepared, or stuck in a mindset that resists learning.

🌀 The Shift: From Stinker to Thinker

Becoming a thinker is not about becoming perfect. It’s about being aware, deliberate, and open to growth.

Here are three practical ways to shift:

1. Pause Before You React

Create a 5-second rule for stressful moments. Before responding, take a breath, assess the situation, and ask yourself: What’s really going on here?

2. Challenge Your First Thought

Instead of acting on your first instinct, consider three different ways to view the problem. Ask, What am I missing? What would someone else see here?

3. Practice Reflective Thinking

After each big decision or mistake, reflect: What worked? What didn’t? What would I do differently next time? This builds your "thinking muscle" over time.

🎯 Conclusion: Thinking Is a Choice

Everyone has the potential to be a thinker. It’s not about being slow or overly analytical—it’s about being intentional, especially when it matters most. The next time you’re faced with a tough decision, ask yourself:

 Q : Am I thinking through this—or just stinking up the process?

Choose wisely.

Article written by: Samuel Avisey 

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