PREDICTABILITY
About half the general population NEEDS Predictability. Predictability gives them security and comfort. Too much informality, variety and spontaneity will raise their tension, lead to stress / insecurity and their behavior will reflect that.
People who NEED Predictability tend to prefer formality, do things at a slower pace and take longer to make decisions. Why? Because formality and taking more time gives them a better chance at knowing what is going to happen next… gives them greater predictability… gives them greater comfort.
SPONTANEITY
About half the general population NEEDS Spontaneity. Spontaneity and freedom of choice gives them security and comfort. Too much formality… too many rules… too many restrictions… micromanagement… will raise their tension, lead to stress / insecurity and their behavior will reflect that.
People who NEED Spontaneity want more freedom to figure things out as they go, tend to move at a faster pace, tend to be more impulsive and are more comfortable taking risks.
Consider what the dynamic will be like when people who need Predictability and people who need Spontaneity must work together toward a common goal? And, what happens if they don’t understand these realities about each other?
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?
What do you think you need more, Predictability or Spontaneity?
Consider the people closest to you; your partner, your children, extended family, people you work with, your boss.
Are your needs the same or different? And how does this show up in your "real world"?
Not understanding this reality about others creates a significant amount of stress for people. Stress that damages relationships, leads to people feeling disrespected and preventing trust from developing.
When we understand this we can become intentional with our thoughts, actions and reactions leading to better and less stressful situations for ourselves and others.
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