You hear a few words, you see a gesture - and presto: you have a picture of a person. Welcome to the Pigeonhole thinking. This widespread thought pattern helps us to categorize the world more quickly. But it comes at a price. Because what gives us orientation can also separate, limit and prevent development.
In this article, we show you how pigeonholing arises, why it is so persistent - and, above all, how you can break free from it.
Pigeonholing is an automatic mechanism of our brain. It simplifies complex information by dividing it into categories. Psychologists refer to this as Schemesmental structures that help to process experiences more quickly.
But what begins as a protective mechanism can quickly become an obstacle - especially if we:
This form of thinking has profound consequences - for our self-image, our relationships and our personal development.
Pigeonholing is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. Our brain loves quick decisions - they ensure survival. Even today, pigeonholing helps us to react quickly in social situations. However, this speed is often based on incomplete information and assumptions.
"The more complex the world, the more seductive pigeonholing becomes." Greator Life Coach Christina Hommelsheim
Even if we think we are open-minded, we have unconsciously internalized many categories. These include, for example:
Examples: "Men are rational", "Women are emotional", "Older people are less capable".
Examples: "People with dialect are less educated", "Tattooed people are rebellious".
Examples: "Salespeople are pushy", "Psychologists are always analyzing".
These stereotypes may seem harmless - but they have a significant influence, how we treat others and how we are allowed to think for ourselves.
Pigeonholing not only influences our opinions, but also our behavior:
Studies in social psychology show that implicit stereotypes influence our decisions - even if we perceive ourselves as tolerant.
Self-reflection is the first step. Ask yourself:
👉 Note: Use our free of charge Vision Challenge Workbook. It helps you to recognize your own thought patterns - and to develop your own personal vision.
You can consciously open your mind. Here are a few strategies:
Pay attention to your spontaneous associations. Not to condemn them, but to to consciously perceive.
The more you talk to people who "don't fit into your box", the more your perspective will broaden.
Language influences thinking. Avoid blanket statements such as "typical woman" or "all millennials" - they create stereotypes without you even realizing it.
In which drawer do you see yourself? And what new role would you like to take on? Perhaps now is the time to define this role.
Yes - and on several levels. Coaching supports you in this, old Recognize beliefsquestion your self-image and adopt new perspectives. At Greator, many coaches work with precisely these topics: How to free yourself from old thought structures - and thus find your own path.
If you would like to reflect on your thought patterns, we recommend our free Vision Challenge Workbook. It guides you in three simple steps to greater clarity about your goals and Visions.
Pigeonholing happens - often quite automatically. But you have the choice whether you stay in it or free yourself from it. It takes courage to recognize your own errors in thinking. But this is precisely where the greatest opportunity lies: consciously changing your view of the world - and of yourself.
Because your real life begins beyond the drawers.
Do you want to develop yourself further - free from old labels and frameworks? Then start with our free Personality Test. It helps you to find your individual Behavioural patterns to understand yourself, recognize your strengths and see yourself in a new light. Because only those who know themselves can really leave pigeonholing behind: Click here for the personality test
