(Adapted from Positive Intelligence™)
(#4 in a series of 10)

We continue to explore and describe the 10 Saboteurs that high jack our wellbeing and hold us back from experiencing as much joy and calm in our lives and yes, in our careers and relationships.

Today, we focus on the Hyper Rational as part of our Saboteur Spotlight.

How does this resonate with you?

Some of the top characteristics of the Hyper Rational is intense and exclusive focus on the rational processing of everything, including relationships. This may be perceived as cold, distant and intellectually arrogant.

The Hyper Rational is…

Thoughts
Intense and active mind, sometimes coming across as intellectually arrogant or secretive.
Mostly shows feelings through passion in ideas.
Prefer to just watch the craziness around me and analyze from a distance.
High penchant for skepticism and debate.

Feelings
Frustrated with others being emotional and not rational enough.
Anxious about preserving personal time, energy and resources against intrusions.
Often skeptical or cynical.

Justification Lies
The rational mind is the most important thing.
It should be protected from the wasteful intrusion of people’s messy emotions and needs, so it can get its work done.

Impact on Self and Others
Limits the depth and flexibility of relationships in work and life by analyzing rather than experiencing feelings.
Intimidates less analytically intense people.

Original Survival Function
The Hyper Rational is a good survival strategy in early childhood circumstances of emotional turmoil or chaotic surroundings.
The escape into the neat and orderly rational mind generates a sense of security or a sense of intellectual superiority. It also gains us attention and praise by showing up as the smartest person in the room.

The positive intelligence foundation informs us that the Hyper Rational is a liar and often engages in self-defeating behavior and thoughts.

Does this sound like you? Do the Hyper Rational’s struggles sound like yours? There IS a way to turn down the volume on the Avoider saboteur voices inside your head. It’s a foundation of our Mental Fitness Bootcamp.

Want to learn more? DM for more info. NEXT UP: The Hyper Vigilant …we’ll explore how this Saboteur wreaks havoc in our lives and the lies it tells.