Are You A Fighter Or A Thinker? Ask Your Genes!
Challenges in life (and work) are inevitable, but whether we fight on, overthink, or give up â can be related to our genes.
Imagine yourself stranded on a deserted island.
It is an uncharted land with no people, no food, and dangerous furry animals.
Alone, your stomach gnaws with hunger, the sun scorches your skin, and the vast blue sea mocks your attempts to escape. Do you:
(a) Try hard to think up an escape plan until your brain melts?
(b) Throw your hands up, and give in to hunger and nature?
(c) Grab that coconut, fashion a makeshift spear, and declareâŠ
âBring it on, island!!â
Whatever you decide â turns out your response might be less to do with your will-to-live and more to do with your DNA.
Fight or Think? Do You Act First or Later
âThere is a time to let things happen, and a time to make things happenâ â Hugh Prather
Our determination in the face of adversity isnât just about grit and willpower.
Studies suggest genes like MAOA, COMT, 5-HTTLPR, and DRD4 [1] actually play a role in shaping our resilience.
Think of them as your genetic cheerleaders or pessimists â influencing whether you roar âBring it on!â or whisper âMaybe another dayâ.
People with the âFighterâ gene variants (e.g., high MAOA) tend to be action-oriented, and is more likely to push through challenges with unwavering resolve [2].
But âThinkersâ, who might possess variations of DRD4 and 5-HTTLPR (associated to risk-taking [3]), enjoy strategizing; leading them to carefully consider all angles before leaping.
However, having the âFighterâ gene doesnât guarantee success, and being a âThinkerâ doesnât doom you to indecisiveness â it is all about context.
A âFighterâ might excel in physically demanding jobs, but overthink in delicate social situations. Conversely, a âThinkerâ might thrive in strategic roles but struggle with deadlines.
But wait, here is a twist.
The Power of Both. The Entrepreneurâs Edge?
âGenetic factors affect the tendency to recognize entrepreneurial opportunities and the tendency to start businessesâ â Forbes
The real magic truly happens when both tendencies find harmony.
Studies suggest that individuals with high expressions of both âFighterâ and âThinkerâ genes often make exceptional leaders and entrepreneurs [4].
They possess the drive to achieve their goals (ie. Fighters), and the analytical prowess to navigate complex challenges (ie. Thinkers).
These genes are also heritable; meaning children of leaders and entrepreneurs tend to be leaders and entrepreneurs themselves [5].
So, what does this knowledge mean for you?
Living Your Life By Design
âIn China, some parents are participating in a program that uses DNA testing to identify genetic gifts for their childrenâ â CNN
Creating a better life, and career for yourself is more likely if you know your personality tendencies. Here are some ways you can do it.
1. Empower Your Child: If you are a parent, recognizing your childâs natural tendencies can help you tailor your parenting style. Encourage your little âThinkersâ to explore and experiment, while providing structure for your young âFightersâ to channel their energy more productively.
2. Advance Your Career: Understanding your own genetic leanings can help you choose a career path that aligns with your strengths. If you are a decisive âFighterâ, sales or project management might be for you. If you are a meticulous âThinkerâ, then consider research or analytical roles.
3. Improve Your Love Life: Recognizing your partnerâs (and your own) genetic tendencies can foster empathy and understanding. If your partner is a âThinkerâ who loves to plan, be patient with their deliberation. If youâre a spontaneous âFighterâ who loves excitement, communicate your needs for things you find fun.
4. Enhance Family Bonding: Knowing your familyâs genetic predispositions can help navigate conflict and build stronger relationships. Appreciate the unique strengths each family member brings, and donât try to force âThinkersâ to be impulsive, nor expect âFightersâ to always analyze every move.
Remember, everyone is wired differently. Appreciate the diverse perspectives and approach each relationship uniquely.
Conclusion
âKnow Thyself Is the First Step to Life Changeâ â Psychology Today
While genes are powerful, they are not your destiny â you can control them.
Personal Development (ie. life coaching) can help you identify your natural tendencies and develop strategies to overcome their limitations. Think of it as rewiring your brainâs response to challenges, leveraging both your âFighterâ and âThinkerâ sides for optimal results.
So next time you face a challenge - remember, itâs not just your will at play, but a fascinating dance between your genes and your environment. Embrace the complexity, understand your wiring, and use it to your advantage.
Whether youâre a born Fighter, a pondering Thinker, or a magnificent blend of both, you have the power to overcome any obstacle, one determined step (or well-thought-out plan) at a time.
You got this!
đ§ About Me :
I am the DNA Storyteller. I help people unlock their potential through storytelling and genetic insights, and I love chatting over coffee. âđŹ.
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Disclaimer: The content in this article is intended solely for informational purposes and may contain outdated information after the date of publishing that doesnât reflect the latest scientific advancements. The content is presented âas isâ and is not guaranteed to be complete or up-to-date.
Sources :
[1] 2009, Psychobiology and Molecular Genetics of Resilience (link)
[2] 2009, Monoamine Oxidase A gene (MAOA) Predicts Behavioral Aggression Following Provocation (link)
[3] 2008, Genetic Determinants of Financial Risk Taking (link)
[4] 2018, 7 Reasons Why Successful Entrepreneurship Requires Deep Thinking (link)
[5] 2019, The Contribution of Behavior Genetics to Entrepreneurship: An Evolutionary Perspective (link)