HOW UNDERSTANDING AND APPLYING YOUR COGNITIVE DIFFERENCES CAN BUILD BETTER RELATIONSHIPS IN 2025

We are living in an era of rapid transitions, where the boundaries between personal and professional life are dissolving, where the digital and human are intertwined, and where the relationships we cultivate are more valuable than ever. What awaits us in 2025? More than just a simple time milestone, the year shapes up as a turning point, a decisive moment when the way we connect, understand, and collaborate will be the differentiator of our ability to evolve — as individuals and as a society.

Never before have we been so challenged to build more meaningful relationships. As the world becomes more global, diverse, and digital, the urgent need to connect in a deeper, more empathetic, and authentic way arises. The physical and cultural barriers that once defined the limits of our interactions are starting to disappear, and with them come new dynamics, new opportunities, and, of course, new obstacles. So, how can we build relationships that not only withstand these transformations but thrive in them?

The work environment, for example, has transformed into a vast, multifaceted digital ecosystem, where teams are no longer composed of just colleagues from the same office or country, but individuals spread across the farthest corners of the planet. In this scenario, the ability to relate — to listen, understand, and collaborate effectively — will become the true measure of success. More than technological tools, it will be emotional and cognitive skills that will determine the quality of our interactions and the sustainability of our professional relationships.

Furthermore, the impact of increasing individualism, driven by social media and the relentless pursuit of status, leads us to a deep reflection: to what extent can this quest for personal recognition take us away from what truly matters? In a future that demands more collaboration than competition, we are called to rethink the way we relate to others and the world around us. How can we cultivate relationships that transcend the superficiality of “having” and reach the true essence of “being”?

This is where understanding our cognitive differences becomes important. Each of us, with our unique brain, processes the world in a distinct way, and this defines how we connect, how we solve problems, and how we understand each other. In 2025, the true leader will be the one who understands that by promoting empathy and self-awareness, they can unlock the potential of their team and create more inclusive, innovative, and resilient work environments.

At the same time, the challenge of humanizing an increasingly automated world has never been more pressing. As technology advances, the temptation to let machines replace what only humans can offer — creativity, empathy, and human affection — arises. The future, as digital as it may be, demands more humanity. In a world saturated with data, noise, and artificial interactions, it is the ability to connect emotionally and personally that will be the key to success.

Therefore, building better relationships in 2025 is not just a necessity — it is an art. An art that requires balance between “being” and “having,” between authenticity and pragmatism, between individual vision and collective good. It is an art that demands not only the ability to connect with others but the courage to explore, accept, and respect the cognitive and emotional differences that make us unique.

Are we ready for this journey? What is at stake is not just our personal or professional success, but the construction of a more empathetic, collaborative, and, above all, humanized future. The key to true transformation lies in the relationships we are capable of cultivating.

Healthy Relationships in the Context of Cognitive Differences

Now that we begin to understand the complexity of conscious experience and the vast cognitive variations that make us unique, we can start to look more closely at how this affects our relationships — especially in a world as dynamic and diverse as that of 2025. It is no longer a simple intellectual curiosity but a powerful tool that can change the dynamics of work, coexistence, and, most importantly, how we relate to each other.

What I want to bring to the forefront is not just a new concept, but an approach that, when understood and applied, has the potential to significantly enhance how we interact at all levels. A deep understanding of cognitive differences — those that range from how we process emotions to the more subtle forms of mental perception — is something that, until now, few have truly understood or considered when building a healthy relationship. This goes beyond the idea of simple tolerance; it is an active understanding that can improve the way we connect.

Towards Understanding Human Connections

What I propose here is not just a view on how we can adapt to each other, but an invitation to transform our perception of relationships. By taking into account that each human being has a unique brain function — from the most visual to the most abstract, and including those who experience their emotions deeply and viscerally — the key to building healthier relationships becomes understanding.

Imagine, for example, a work team where some people, when solving a problem, mentally visualize the flow of ideas as images and graphs, while others simply “feel” the solutions and explain them with words, without images or diagrams. The lack of understanding of these differences can lead to misunderstandings, as if some people were disconnected or uninterested. However, when we recognize the uniqueness of how each person perceives and processes information, we can adjust our communication, create more effective collaborative solutions, and, most importantly, avoid frustrations.

Each person is a unique microcosm, shaped by their biology, history, environment, and yes, also by their unique cognitive functioning. When we understand this, we can go beyond the barriers of traditional communication and begin working on something more substantial: a genuine and true connection, where not only the words matter but also how we perceive, feel, and respond to the world and others.

The proposal here, therefore, is not just to talk about “improving” relationships — but about a true revolution in the way we understand and value human relationships. This revolution comes from the point where we deepen our own experience and begin to understand what is truly happening in the brain of the other.

The Revolution of Healthy Relationships in 2025

Understanding the uniqueness of each brain is not a simple practice, but it is an essential step to improving our communication, our interactions, and even our well-being — whether at work, in personal life, or in social spheres. This understanding leads us to a fundamental aspect: cognitive empathy, active listening, and a genuine willingness to connect with others in ways that go beyond the surface. After all, how we perceive the world is, indeed, the key to how we connect.

It is important to recognize that each individual builds their own reality in a unique way. Life experiences, beliefs, and cognitive processes generate different filters through which we interpret and react to the world around us. What is true for one person may not be true for another, as our beliefs shape the lenses through which we see the world. These beliefs, in turn, are influenced by biology, personal history, and life experiences. Understanding that each person has a unique way of perceiving reality and processing their experiences allows us to develop a deeper and more respectful view of the differences that exist in ourselves and others.

By looking more closely at these cognitive and relational dynamics, we can learn to appreciate differences rather than see them as obstacles. The key to a more harmonious coexistence lies in cultivating a deep understanding of the cognitive, emotional, and belief diversity that makes up the fabric of our daily interactions. This respect for the plurality of perceptions and beliefs is essential for building a more empathetic and inclusive society.

Building healthier and more effective relationships requires us to explore more deeply what it means to be ethical and healthy in interpersonal connections. This involves recognizing that every interaction is an opportunity to transform the way we connect, with an open mind to the differences that make us unique. By doing so, we not only enhance our relationships but also contribute to creating more conscious and innovative environments, where the acceptance of differences becomes a strength in our coexistence.

Did You Know Your Brain is More Unique Than You Imagine?

To delve into this, I want to share an experience that led me to reflect deeply on the unique way each of us perceives the world around us. Of course, this is connected to the discoveries from neuroscience and the evolution of social psychology, which increasingly show how individual differences continue to surprise us, revealing that our minds are not only complex but also incredibly distinct.

Have you ever stopped to think about what your conscious experience is like? How does your brain organize your thoughts, process emotions, and even how do you perceive your own thoughts? For me, the experience of thinking has always been accompanied by an “internal voice,” like a silent conversation that organizes and refines my ideas. This voice becomes the way I perceive the world, the foundation for writing, decision-making, and even understanding my feelings.

However, during a neuroscience conference, something unexpected happened. While we were discussing the various forms of mental perception, a crucial point was raised: this experience is not universal. This means that the way each of us experiences our own thoughts, how each mind organizes and processes the world, can be profoundly different.

Curious to understand this issue better, I decided to dive deeper into the topic. What I discovered left me astounded: there are people who do not “hear” words or thoughts in their minds, but rather think in images, feelings, or sensations. For them, the perception of reality happens in a completely different way than mine. This made me think about how these often invisible differences can impact our relationships on a daily basis — at work, in personal life, and even in how we communicate with others.

This knowledge reveals something fascinating: what each of us calls “reality” is, in fact, deeply influenced by the unique way our brains perceive the world. The images, words, emotions — all of this shapes the way we live and interact with the world around us.

Mental Imagery: Much More Than Just ‘Seeing’ or ‘Hearing’

Many people, like me, experience a continuous flow of thoughts, often appearing as an “internal voice.” For me, this voice acts as a guide, organizing ideas and helping to refine concepts as I write or reflect on something. Along with this voice, a set of vivid images arises, further amplifying the perception of my thoughts. Mental imagery has always been an essential part of my conscious experience. When I think about something, it’s not just words that emerge in my mind, but also images, scenes, and even graphical representations of abstract ideas. This combination of sounds and internal visions allows me to “see” mentally what I am thinking, making abstractions more tangible.

However, when I began raising this issue with my clients, I was increasingly surprised. One of my clients told me that she does not “hear” words in her head like I do, but instead, she only sees images and makes decisions based on what she visualizes. This simple observation led me to a deep reflection on the cognitive differences between us. For her, the written word is just a visual translation of what is in her mind. This revelation made me question the various ways people experience their own consciousness.

Delving into this research led me to discover an extraordinary article by Eric Haseltine, is a neuroscientist and the author of “Long Fuse, Big Bang”, titled ” Discover What’s Unique About Your Brain” This article presents an important reflection on the varied ways individuals experience and process their inner world. Eric Haseltine highlights that, according to current research, some people have an impressive ability to visualize mental images so vividly that it seems like movies are playing in their minds. Others, however, cannot access these images and experience their thoughts in a more abstract or diffuse manner, without a clear mental representation.

These differences in the way we process and visualize thoughts are more common than we think. Some people have a highly detailed mental representation of their ideas, while others rely more on internal verbalization or abstract perception, without any clear image associated. These variations in conscious experience not only reveal the diversity of the human mind but also invite us to rethink how we communicate and understand the world around us.

These cognitive distances can profoundly influence our relationships, as they shape the way we interact with others and how we feel the world around us. This phenomenon opens up a range of possibilities for enhancing communication and collaboration, whether in the workplace, in interpersonal relationships, or in personal development.

Individual Differences and the Neuroscience Behind Them

As we explore the fascinating variations in the way each person perceives and processes the world, it is essential to understand that these differences have deep roots in the anatomy and physiology of the brain. In Eric Haseltine’s article, some recent studies using neuroimaging revealed surprising insights into how the structure of our brain impacts the way we experience our mental states. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) showed that those with more vivid mental images have larger volumes in specific brain areas, such as the visual cortex. These areas, associated with vision, are active when we generate mental images, showing that, far from being an isolated subjective experience, our perception is largely shaped by the physical activity of the brain.

But the most surprising finding is that these discoveries are not limited to just brain volume. Some studies reveal that the “vividness” of mental imagery is closely related to the intensity of activation in these regions. This suggests that our internal experiences, such as creating images or experiencing emotions, are not just subjective constructions of the mind but also reflect a complex interaction between the brain and the experiences it processes.

Hyperphantasia and Aphantasia: Cognitive Diversity in Numbers

Additionally, two interesting phenomena are highlighted that help illustrate how variation in the way we see the world can impact perception and, consequently, communication. Around 1% of the global population has a condition called hyperphantasia, where the mental images that these people generate are as vivid and clear as the real images we see with our eyes. Imagine living in a world where you not only “think” but actually “see” what you think, almost like a parallel reality that overlays your everyday perception.

On the other hand, about 2% of the population suffers from aphantasia, a condition where a person cannot visualize anything in their mind. For these individuals, there is no possibility of “seeing” a scene or recalling the image of an object without having a real image in front of their eyes. This lack of mental imagery can directly impact the way these individuals process information, make decisions, or solve problems, as mental images are often used to organize and categorize sensory data.

Synesthesia and Empathy: How These Conditions Can Change the Way We Connect

But we don’t stop there. I want to bring to light a fascinating phenomenon we can observe regarding cognitive differences, known as synesthesia. Before continuing, it’s important to clarify that synesthesia is not the same as kinesthesia. Although these terms are often confused, they refer to quite distinct phenomena.

• Synesthesia is a rare neurological condition where the senses cross in extraordinary ways. People with synesthesia may experience a blend of sensations, such as “seeing” colors when hearing numbers or words, or even “feeling” tastes when hearing certain sounds. Imagine hearing the word “love” and seeing a golden glow. This sensory interaction between different modalities creates a unique and multifaceted perception of the world. For example, a person with synesthesia might see the number “5” as blue or associate a melody with a physical sensation of warmth. This phenomenon not only expands the sensory experience but also offers a fascinating insight into how different forms of perception can combine in rare and unique ways.

• Kinesthesia, on the other hand, refers to the perception of movement and body position in space. It is our ability to feel and perceive movement, balance, and the location of our limbs. When you move, walk, dance, or even pick up an object, your kinesthesia comes into play. Unlike synesthesia, which mixes the senses, kinesthesia involves only the perception of our movements and body location.

By understanding that a person with synesthesia has heightened sensitivity in the interactions between different sensory modalities, we can reflect on how their unique perception of the world can enrich our own understanding. This phenomenon shows that there are different ways of sensory experience that can broaden how we connect with the world around us.

Similarly, empathy — the ability to feel what others feel — is a transformative factor in interpersonal relationships. Individuals with heightened empathy not only perceive others’ emotions but also connect with those emotions deeply. In the workplace, for example, empathy can be a valuable asset, allowing leaders and colleagues to understand each other’s difficulties and challenges, creating a culture of support and respect.

However, some people have such an intense ability for empathy that they are often called “empaths.” Unlike ordinary empathy, which only allows us to understand others’ emotions, empaths have the ability to deeply feel what another person is experiencing — and often so vividly that these emotions can feel like their own. An empath, for instance, may “feel” physically what another person is experiencing, such as pain, sadness, or joy. This perception is not just intellectual but sensory and emotional.

Being an empath goes beyond merely being sensitive to others’ emotions. These individuals are often highly intuitive, almost instinctively picking up on others’ energies and emotional states. While this ability enables them to form deep connections, it can also be challenging. Empaths may feel overwhelmed in emotionally charged environments, as they absorb others’ emotions with great intensity. In other words, in social and professional contexts, empaths often play important roles, such as mediators of conflict or people capable of creating an atmosphere of understanding and support. However, it is crucial for empaths to learn to set boundaries to protect their well-being, as constantly absorbing external emotions can lead to emotional burnout if not properly managed.

Implications for Social and Professional Relationships

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably already realized that the concepts of Hyperphantasia, Aphantasia, Synesthesia, Kinesthesia, and Empathy not only expand our understanding of the complexity of human perception but also offer powerful tools to enhance our interpersonal and professional relationships. Recognizing the various ways people experience the world is fundamental to promoting a more empathetic, inclusive, and collaborative environment where different forms of perception are not just recognized but valued.

For example, by practicing active listening, adapting communication to the other person’s style, and using tools that promote a deeper understanding of how the brain functions, we can create a foundation of mutual respect that enhances both individual and collective well-being.

This reflection leads us to a crucial question: How can understanding your cognitive differences build better relationships in 2025? How can we expect everyone to share the same perception of the world when even the ways we process thoughts, emotions, and experiences are so diverse? Reflecting on this, we rethink our approaches to daily interactions.

What we have seen so far reveals how much cognitive differences shape social and professional interactions. If everyone’s brains function so distinctly, how can we expect everyone to share the same perception of the world? The key lies in adopting greater flexibility and empathy. By understanding that the different ways of processing ideas, feelings, and images are unique to each individual, it becomes clear that our communication must be adapted. What is clear to one person can be completely nebulous to another, and this awareness opens a range of new possibilities for more effective interactions.

This understanding offers a unique opportunity to create a healthier and more collaborative environment where cognitive differences are not seen as obstacles but as fertile ground for mutual enrichment. When we become aware of cognitive diversity, we begin to develop more inclusive practices, adjusting our communication in a way that fosters genuine connection. This applies not only to the workplace but to personal relationships and society as a whole.

Each brain is a unique entity that experiences the world in a distinct way. The good news is that by better understanding these differences, we not only improve communication but also transform our relationships, creating more empathetic, respectful, and collaborative environments. What we are striving for here is not just tolerance but the celebration of cognitive diversity.

Adjusting Communication to Connect Deeply

Traditional communication tools often fail to capture the nuances of how people experience their emotions and perceive information. By recognizing that cognitive processing is as unique as a fingerprint, we can apply more effective and inclusive strategies. This will allow us to connect more deeply and meaningfully, creating bridges that transform the way we relate to the world and to each other.

Therefore, I hope you understand that the key to healthier and more constructive relationships lies in the ability to truly see the other—not with the eyes, but with the mind. Understanding cognitive differences enables us to build healthy relationships, as it leads us to recognize that each person feels and perceives the world in a unique way. With this in mind, it becomes easier to act ethically and respectfully, both in personal interactions and in the workplace.

Our goal, as we explore these different dimensions of the brain and human experience, is to create a culture of respect for cognitive individuality. This deep understanding can be the foundation for a new paradigm in human relationships, where, instead of trying to shape others to our way of thinking, we seek more effective ways to connect, communicate, and collaborate.

Imagine the challenge of working in a team when you and a colleague have such distinct mental experiences. For one, visual processing may be the primary way of understanding the world; for another, words may be the central resource for organizing their ideas. These cognitive variations can create invisible barriers that hinder effective communication and collaboration. However, by becoming aware of these differences, we can adjust our communication to be more empathetic and assertive, facilitating a deeper mutual understanding.

Understanding cognitive differences is not just about facilitating interaction and affection among colleagues, but it opens up new possibilities for personal and professional development. If you recognize that your mind tends to think more visually, you can start using this skill to your advantage, applying it in creativity, problem-solving, and visualizing goals and results. Similarly, people with a higher empathetic capacity, who can feel the emotions of others more intensely, may become more effective and respectful leaders, understanding the emotional needs of their teams. This type of empathetic leadership is a significant differentiator in today’s corporate landscape, where emotional well-being and team engagement are just as important as productivity.

Therefore, I hope these cognitive differences not only challenge us but offer a unique opportunity to become more aware of human diversity. When we can adapt our approaches—whether at work or in personal relationships—we can create a more collaborative, inclusive, and innovative environment where differences are not only accepted but celebrated. This not only improves the quality of our interactions but also enhances our own personal and professional growth.

How Understanding the Uniqueness of Your Brain Can Improve Your Life

Exploring how your brain works goes beyond simple scientific curiosity; it’s a deep journey of self-awareness that can transform the way you interact at work, in your personal relationships, and even in your development journey. Understanding how your brain processes reality can optimize communication, improve team collaboration, and, most importantly, reveal hidden talents and abilities.

This self-awareness not only strengthens connections with others but also opens doors to more assertive communication. If your brain processes vivid mental images, for example, you can use this to express ideas more clearly. If your tendency is more verbal or conceptual, you can enhance your ability to communicate these ideas more effectively. Thus, your performance and relationships—both personal and professional—gain more fluidity and depth.

This is where the importance of Cognitive Behavioral Development processes comes in, combining human sciences and neuroscience with tools such as cognitive tests and specialized questionnaires. These tools can help you better understand how your brain functions, promoting greater empathy for the cognitive differences that exist in others. This knowledge transforms your approach to everyday challenges, allowing you to create more adaptive solutions and a more genuine connection with the people around you.

Finally,

The reality we perceive is not the same for everyone. Although we can never be sure if other people “see” the same colors or interpret sounds in the same way, reflecting on cognitive differences leads us to a deeper understanding of how we connect with the world.

Becoming aware that each brain is unique, not only in its capabilities but also in the conscious experience it generates, makes us realize the complexity of human nature. This understanding is not just about accepting individual differences but creating a layer of empathy, where diverse ways of thinking, feeling, and perceiving are recognized and respected.

The fact is that each of our mental experiences offers us a key to understand not only ourselves but also others. By exploring these cognitive singularities, we are not only improving our relationships but also creating the conditions for a deep development of creativity, empathy, and innovation.

This process becomes a catalyst for positive change, empowering us to connect in a more authentic, collaborative, and purposeful way. Understanding how different ways of thinking impact behavior and social interaction allows us to create more inclusive and innovative environments, where cognitive diversity is not only accepted but celebrated.

The true revolution is here: by understanding the complexities of the brain and how each person perceives reality in a unique way, we can create a more connected world, where the barriers of misunderstanding are overcome by bridges that unite not just ideas, but also hearts. This is the future we can build – a new model of human interaction, more conscious and transformative.

If you’ve made it this far, you are ready to align this knowledge with practical actions in your daily life, whether at work or in your personal life. Here are some guidelines to promote a more empathetic and collaborative environment:

Practice active listening: When interacting with others, dedicate yourself to listening with empathy, without rushing to respond, criticize, or judge. This helps to better understand the different ways people think and feel, allowing for a deeper and more genuine communication.

Adapt communication to the other person’s style: Recognize that people process information in various ways – some prefer words, others images or feelings. By adapting your communication style to each person, you facilitate connection and promote a more inclusive environment.

Use cognitive development tools: Tools such as cognitive tests and specialized questionnaires can help you better understand the functioning of your brain and others. This allows you to create more effective strategies for dealing with cognitive differences in relationships.

Encourage diverse collaboration: When building teams or interacting in groups, celebrate cognitive differences. Value the contributions of each person, creating an environment where every unique mind is respected and their abilities complement those of others.

Develop cognitive empathy: Empathy is not only about understanding others’ emotions but also how people perceive and process the world. Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes, not just emotionally, but also cognitively.

Create space for creative and innovative expression: Understanding that cognitive differences can generate new solutions and perspectives, encourage environments that cultivate creativity and innovation. Promote activities that stimulate different ways of thinking, generating new ideas and approaches.

When applied, these strategies can help create a more harmonious and productive environment, where people feel valued for their cognitive uniqueness. By promoting a culture of inclusive and collaborative communication, we can build a future where differences are not barriers but rather drivers of progress.

Inspired by the studies of Eric Haseltine: “Discover What’s Unique About Your Brain” and Gary Stix: “You Don’t Need Words to Think”

Eric Haseltine, in the article “Discover What’s Unique About Your Brain,” explores how individual differences in the brain influence perception and behavior. He highlights that while we all have the same brain structures, mental processes can be unique, impacting how each person perceives the world.

Gary Stix, in “You Don’t Need Words to Think,” reveals that language is not essential for thought. The brain can perform complex cognitive operations without directly relying on words, challenging the traditional view of the relationship between language and cognition.

These studies help us understand how brain variations shape our experiences, as well as improve the way we communicate and relate to others. You can read them in full at:

Gary Stix: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/you-dont-need-words-to-think/

Eric Haseltine: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/long-fuse-big-bang/202412/discover-whats-unique-about-your-brain

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