fitness

Knowledge

2022

We explain what fitness is, and its difference from attitude. Also, what types exist in psychology, and which ones are useful at work.

Aptitude implies sufficiency, suitability, ability and readiness for a task.

What is fitness?

Fitness is the ability of an individual to perform efficiently and correctly in an activity and context determined. In other words, it is about having the sufficiency, suitability, capacity and disposition necessary to fulfill an expectation, be it physical, mental or psychological.

The word aptitude comes from Latin apt, which translate "skill"Or" faculty ", and is usually used in various fields with the same meaning. In the case of psychologyHowever, this concept encompasses both mental and cognitive capacities (the reasoning, mental speed, etc.), such as emotional or personality.

This concept is related to the intelligence of the individual and his abilities innate and learned. Simply put, aptitude has to do with how fit we are to fulfill a task.

Aptitude and attitude

These two words that sound so similar mean very different things. By aptitude, as we have seen, we mean the ability to do something adequately, but by attitude we mean the willingness to do something adequately.

In other words, the attitude does not have to do with capacity but with how committed we are to the work to be done, how much of our commitment and our energy and our concentration we are willing to put into what we must carry out.

Thus, a person with the necessary aptitudes to carry out a task, may not have the necessary attitude to dare to do it, or to do it as it should.

On the other hand, since it is a broader concept, attitude may refer to predisposition and behaviour towards anything. In other words, it not only refers to a task, but you can have a defined attitude to a person, a situation or to life itself.

Types of fitness

Spatial aptitude allows visualizing and projecting spaces.

In psychology the following types of aptitude are distinguished:

  • Abstract or scientific. It consists of the ability to understand theories and principles that describe the nature, like scientists. Also for managing complex ideas or idea systems.
  • Space. The ability to visualize and project spaces and bodies, as in geometry or architecture.
  • Numerical. The ability to successfully carry out operations of all kinds with numbers and logic systems, such as math, the accounting, the logic, etc.
  • Verbal. It has to do with the management of the language, to express complex concepts and do so in a useful, elegant or even aesthetic way.
  • Mechanics. In this case it is related to the movement, the displacement of bodies, as in engineering.
  • Artistic or plastic. The ability to handle forms, colors and lines, in order to obtain aesthetic effects on the viewer. Obviously, it is useful for the painting and the plastic arts.
  • Musical. That which is linked to the harmonious and aesthetic use of sound, for example, to play musical instruments.
  • Social. It has to do with interaction with others, that is, with social interaction and with the formation of communities.
  • Executive The one that is linked to the leadership, with the production and start-up of projects, or the coordination of groups.
  • Persuasive It has to do with the argumentation, the debate, the conviction of others of a certain point of view.

Examples of professional skills

Flexibility allows adaptation to new tasks, conditions and technologies.

Some examples of skills related to professional performance, that is, the capacity for work, are the following:

  • Flexibility. It does not refer to physical flexibility, but mental and work flexibility, that is, the ability to adapt to different tasks and working conditions, and perform these tasks correctly, assuming the change naturally.
  • Motivation. The margin of commitment that the individual is capable of assuming with respect to professional tasks, to keep himself enthusiastic about the job and, therefore, deposit in him a high margin of energy, without the need for some authority to be behind him calling him to chapter or incentivizing it.
  • Communicativity. It is about the ability to communicate with your subordinates, peers, or superiors in an efficient, respectful, and active manner. The most communicative employees are able to convey instructions, to report problems on time, etc.
  • Optimism. Although it may not seem like it, the ability to see the bright side of things is highly valued in certain professional settings. More than anything because it translates into a good disposition to solve problems, and in a low labor conflict.

Physical aptitude

Physical fitness is usually measured by medical tests.

Physical fitness is understood to be the natural condition of an individual's body, facing the performance of different physical or athletic tasks. Good physical fitness translates into margins of endurance, force, speed and flexibility to perform physical tasks satisfactorily.

This aptitude is usually measured by physical examinations, and is essential, for example, to enter the military or enroll in gyms or certain sports competitions.

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