One thing that’s always intrigued me are those moments in conversation when we suddenly draw a blank. You know what I’m talking about: you’re in mid-flow, passionately discussing something, then… poof! Your train of thought derails completely. It’s quite embarrassing, isn’t it?
For years, I’ve noticed this trait in some people more than others and it got me thinking – could this be a personality trait? Could this lapse in thought reveal something deeper about our character?
Turns out, according to psychology, it does. And I was surprised to discover that these everyday forgetful moments correlate with 7 specific personality traits.
In this article, we’ll delve into these intriguing traits. If you often find yourself forgetting your thoughts mid-conversation, this might clarify a few things for you.
Let’s dive right in.
1) High creativity
The first personality trait that’s often linked to forgetting thoughts mid-conversation is high creativity.
As a psychology enthusiast, this initially surprised me. But when I delved into it, it started to make sense. Highly creative people are often bursting with ideas. Their minds are constantly buzzing with new thoughts, concepts and connections.
This constant influx of ideas can sometimes be overwhelming, making it difficult to stay focused on one thought for a prolonged period. Hence, the occasional derailment in conversations.
While it may seem like a downside, this trait also has its benefits. Highly creative individuals are often great problem solvers, innovative thinkers and they bring a unique perspective to everything they do.
The next time you find yourself losing track of your thoughts mid-conversation, don’t be too hard on yourself – it might just be your creative genius at work!
2) Intense introspection
I, for one, can definitely relate to this. There have been countless times when I’ve been deep in conversation and suddenly found myself lost in a maze of my own thoughts. It’s as if a side door in my mind opens up and I just wander off!
The famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
This resonates with me deeply. Those of us who are intensely introspective can sometimes get lost in our own inner world. Our tendency to analyze our thoughts, feelings, and experiences can occasionally draw our attention away from the conversation at hand.
But just like with high creativity, intense introspection also has its strengths. It fosters self-awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
So while we might momentarily lose track of a conversation, we’re also capable of profound insights and perspective shifts that others may overlook.
3) High sensitivity
This one personally resonates with me. I’ve always been a sensitive soul, easily affected by my surroundings and the emotions of those around me.
I remember instances when I’ve been in the middle of a conversation and suddenly found my attention hijacked by a shift in the room’s atmosphere, or a subtle change in someone’s tone.
Highly sensitive people are often finely tuned to the nuances of their environment. We pick up on subtleties that others may miss, which can sometimes distract us from our own train of thought.
On the flip side, this heightened sensitivity allows us to connect deeply with others, appreciate beauty more intensely, and experience life with a rich tapestry of emotions.
So if you’re like me and find your thoughts straying during conversations due to high sensitivity, remember there’s a silver lining to this trait – it makes our world vibrant and deeply empathetic.
4) High intelligence
Interestingly, the fourth trait associated with forgetting thoughts mid-conversation is high intelligence.
A study conducted by the University of Toronto found that individuals with higher intelligence are more susceptible to “mind-wandering“, even during tasks that require sustained attention.
I’ve experienced this myself. I’ve often found my mind wandering off in different directions during conversations, exploring various tangents related to the topic at hand.
This tendency to mentally ‘drift’ can sometimes cause us to forget our original point. However, it’s also a sign of an active and agile mind, capable of multitasking and thinking outside the box.
If you often find yourself forgetting your thoughts mid-conversation, it might be a sign that your brain is working on a higher level.
5) Empathetic nature
Empathy is the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others. For those of us with empathetic natures, conversations are not just an exchange of words, but a deep dive into the emotions, perspectives, and experiences of the other person.
I’ve found that my empathetic nature can sometimes pull my focus away from what I’m saying to how the other person is reacting. I might be midway through a sentence when I notice a change in their expression or body language, and suddenly I lose track of my own thoughts.
While this can make conversations tricky, having an empathetic nature is a beautiful trait to possess. It allows us to forge deep connections with people, to offer comfort and understanding, and to navigate the world with kindness and compassion.
Despite its challenges, I wouldn’t trade my empathetic nature for anything.
6) Perfectionism
Perfectionists tend to overthink and second-guess themselves, even in the midst of conversation.
I’ve often found myself mid-sentence, suddenly questioning whether what I’m saying is correct, relevant, or articulate enough. This self-doubt can cause me to forget my train of thought entirely.
The renowned psychologist Dr. Brené Brown once said, “Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best… Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfectly, look perfectly, and act perfectly, we can avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame.”
This insightful quote captures the essence of how perfectionism can disrupt our conversations. Our desire to say the ‘perfect’ thing can lead us to lose focus on what we’re actually trying to express.
But remember, while perfectionism can be a hurdle in communication, it also reflects a high standard of work and a strong commitment to doing our best.
7) Spontaneity
At first glance, this last trait might seem counterintuitive – spontaneity.
You might think that spontaneous people, with their quick wit and ability to think on their feet, would be less likely to forget their thoughts mid-conversation. But in my experience, it’s actually quite the opposite.
As someone who thrives on spontaneity, I often find myself getting excited about new ideas that pop up during a conversation. I start exploring these new tangents in my mind and before I know it, I’ve completely lost track of what I was originally saying!
But here’s the catch – being spontaneous also means you’re good at improvising. If you do forget your original point, you’re more likely to come up with something equally interesting on the spot.
So for those spontaneous souls out there who often lose their train of thought – embrace it! It’s part of your charm. And if you find yourself at a loss for words, just take a deep breath and trust in your ability to think on your feet. You might surprise yourself with what you come up with!
Conclusion
We all have moments when we forget our thoughts mid-conversation. It can feel embarrassing, but as we’ve seen, it’s often linked to some truly remarkable personality traits.
So, rather than being hard on yourself, embrace these moments as part of who you are – these are qualities to be proud of!
Communication isn’t just about getting your point across perfectly. It’s about connection, understanding, and authenticity.
Next time you lose your train of thought, take a moment to breathe and regroup. Don’t rush or panic. Simply acknowledge the moment and move forward. Whether you pick up where you left off or steer the conversation in a new direction, do it with confidence.
After all, a forgotten thought doesn’t define your conversation – but how you handle it can define your character.
