The pragmatic personality its characteristics its flaws and the best ways to deal with it

The pragmatic personality is a distinctive one, characterized by an exceptional ability to make rational and practical decisions, free from emotions and idealistic thinking. People with this personality type are known for their focus on realistic outcomes and their ability to provide practical solutions to problems. This enables them to adapt to different situations and achieve success in both professional and personal relationships. In this Dalili Medical guide, we will explore the nature of the pragmatic personality and effective ways to interact with it to ensure the best results across various fields.

 

The Pragmatic Personality

A pragmatic personality is one that focuses on practical outcomes and realistic solutions rather than relying on theories or beliefs that may not be applicable. A pragmatic person has a realistic outlook on the world, always seeking the most effective and practical ways to achieve their goals. This personality type is also characterized by its ability to adapt to different circumstances and make decisions based on reality, with a strong emphasis on achieving goals and delivering effective results.

Traits of a Pragmatic Personality

After understanding the concept of a pragmatic personality and its key characteristics, here are the details of the traits that define this personality:

  • Realism: A pragmatic personality is realistic, viewing things as they truly are and forming an objective stance on them, whether positive or negative.

  • Clear Goals: Pragmatic individuals know what they want and set clear goals without hesitation. They develop precise plans to execute them and work on turning their ideas into tangible realities. If they realize that their approach is ineffective, they adjust it immediately.

  • Risk-Taking: Pragmatic people do not dwell on imagining risks or predicting them. Instead, they try to understand the situations they face and focus on results. They recognize that achieving a goal may sometimes require taking risks and accepting mistakes.

  • Indifference to Others' Opinions: Pragmatic individuals understand that any action they take may be subject to criticism, whether positive or negative. Therefore, they do not overly concern themselves with others’ opinions or seek to please everyone. Instead, they focus on achieving their planned goals.

  • Prioritization: A pragmatic personality sets clear priorities and follows specific steps to accomplish their objectives.

  • Efficiency and Organization: Pragmatic people are highly efficient in managing their time. They can organize their tasks and execute them before others even start thinking about how to proceed.

  • Pride in Achievements: A pragmatic individual takes pride in their accomplishments and does not hesitate to showcase them to others.

  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Pragmatic people have a high level of flexibility and can adapt to changing circumstances, whether in personal or professional life. Their primary goal is to complete tasks successfully, so they plan for the future and adjust to surrounding changes.

  • Realistic Goals: A pragmatic person sets goals that are achievable in reality. For example, someone who is shorter than 160 cm is unlikely to have a successful career as a basketball player. Instead, they might choose other sports, such as athletics or gymnastics, where they can excel.

  • Wise Investments: Pragmatic individuals are mindful of where they invest their money and manage their expenses wisely. They are skilled at saving and investing in meaningful areas, such as travel and vacations.

  • Intelligence: A pragmatic person is seen as intelligent and possesses sound judgment. If they discover a more effective way to achieve their goal, they are willing to adjust their plan and adopt the new approach.

  • Reliable in Times of Crisis: Pragmatic individuals think quickly and logically when handling crises. They do not waste time complaining or seeking help; instead, they assess the situation and take immediate action.

  • An Ideal Partner: Pragmatic people make great partners because they act based on their convictions and do not change their personalities to please others. As a result, they are more capable of understanding their partner’s perspective in various situations, particularly during conflicts or differences in opinion.

Advantages of a Pragmatic Personality

  • Flexibility in Handling Situations:
    Pragmatic individuals can quickly adapt to changes and surrounding circumstances. They can adjust their plans and methods as needed to successfully achieve their goals, allowing them to respond flexibly to various challenges and situations.

  • Focus on Results:
    The pragmatic personality primarily focuses on tangible outcomes. They do not get distracted by abstract ideas or impractical theories but instead look for effective ways to achieve goals and real accomplishments.

  • Ability to Make Quick and Rational Decisions:
    Pragmatic people can make decisions quickly based on available data and current circumstances. They do not hesitate too much as long as the decision contributes to achieving their objectives, enhancing their efficiency in high-pressure situations.

  • Problem-Solving in a Practical Way:
    Pragmatic individuals possess excellent problem-solving skills. They do not approach issues from an idealistic or theoretical perspective but rather seek practical and feasible solutions that can be implemented in reality.

  • Ability to Work in a Team:
    Despite their focus on individual results, pragmatic individuals often work well with others. They value teamwork efficiency and know when and how to collaborate to achieve common goals.

  • Good Planning and Organization:
    Pragmatic people are often well-organized. They rely on logical, executable plans to achieve their objectives and work systematically at every step.

  • Realism and Objective Perspective:
    They have the ability to see things as they truly are without being influenced by unrealistic perceptions. This mindset helps them make decisions that are solution-oriented rather than wishful thinking.

  • Sense of Responsibility:
    A pragmatic person takes full responsibility for their actions. They do not seek excuses or blame others but rather own up to their decisions and continuously strive to improve their performance.

  • Learning from Past Experiences:
    Pragmatic individuals analyze past experiences to extract valuable lessons that help them make better decisions in the future.

  • Ability to Manage Stress:
    Due to their focus on practical solutions, pragmatic people are better equipped to handle pressure and deal with crises calmly and rationally.

  • Focus on Solutions Rather Than Problems:
    A pragmatic person prioritizes finding solutions instead of dwelling on the difficulty of a problem or what caused it. Their practical approach allows them to provide realistic and applicable solutions in the shortest possible time.

  • Realistic Risk Assessment:
    Pragmatic individuals know how to assess risks logically and develop strategies to manage them. They neither overestimate nor underestimate risks but handle them rationally while taking necessary precautions to achieve their goals.

  • Independence:
    Pragmatic personalities tend to be independent. They prefer making their own decisions and do not rely on others for significant choices. They have strong confidence in their ability to manage situations on their own.

  • Strong Willpower and Determination:
    A pragmatic person does not easily back down from challenges or obstacles. They have great perseverance and continue striving toward their goals regardless of difficulties.

  • Balanced Perspective:
    Pragmatic individuals maintain a balance between logical and emotional thinking. They make objective decisions based on reality while still valuing emotions when making choices that affect those around them.

  • Continuous Learning:
    Pragmatic people are always eager to learn and grow. They seek to enhance their skills and knowledge continuously, believing that personal and professional development requires ongoing improvement.

  • Analytical Ability:
    Pragmatic individuals can analyze situations and challenges accurately. They recognize key details and extract useful lessons or effective solutions from their own experiences or those of others.

  • Strong Negotiation Skills:
    A pragmatic person is a skilled negotiator. They always look for solutions that benefit all parties involved and strive for compromises that satisfy everyone without compromising their own objectives.

  • Emphasis on Efficiency:
    Pragmatic individuals aim to achieve goals with maximum efficiency. They prefer to find ways that require the least effort to produce the desired results, making them highly effective in their work.

  • Quick Adaptation to Change:
    Pragmatic individuals respond swiftly to changes in circumstances or environments. They do not cling to outdated plans or methods that no longer fit the current situation but adapt quickly to align with new conditions.

How to Become a Pragmatic Person

Becoming a pragmatic person requires adopting key principles and traits that define pragmatism, such as focusing on realistic and effective results, being flexible in handling situations, and making practical decisions based on reality rather than theory or emotion. Here are detailed steps on how to develop a pragmatic mindset:

1. Rely on Realistic Thinking

To be pragmatic, you must see things as they truly are, without being influenced by idealistic or impractical assumptions. When faced with a problem or challenge, try to understand the situation objectively and avoid wishful thinking.
 Tip: Before making any decision, rely on facts and available evidence. Be cautious of getting carried away by theories or ideas that may not be applicable.

2. Focus on Effective Results

A pragmatic personality emphasizes achieving tangible and practical results. Do not get distracted by abstract ideas or theoretical aspects that may not lead to a clear outcome. Set specific, measurable goals and work towards achieving them.
 Tip: Set realistic goals and break them down into actionable steps. Always focus on achieving real success.

3. Be Flexible in Decision-Making

Adapting to changing circumstances is a key principle of pragmatism. Life is full of challenges that may require you to adjust your plans. Learn to be flexible when making decisions and recognize that there are often multiple ways to achieve a goal.
 Tip: Don’t stick to just one opinion or method. Be open to modifying your plans when necessary, and learn from past experiences.

4. Rely on Practical Solutions

When facing a problem, look for simple and practical solutions that can be implemented. Avoid overly complicated or unrealistic approaches. Always seek the most effective options that achieve the goal with minimal effort.
 Tip: When tackling a problem, break it down into smaller parts and address them step by step in a practical way.

5. Make Decisions Quickly and Efficiently

A pragmatic person makes decisions quickly based on available information. Delaying decisions can waste time and slow down progress toward goals.
 Tip: Gather the necessary information and make decisions based on a rational assessment of the situation. Avoid overthinking when details are clear.

6. Learn from Past Experiences

Pragmatic individuals focus on learning from past experiences, extracting lessons from both successes and failures. Every experience holds valuable insights that can help improve future decisions.
 Tip: After every experience or decision, evaluate the outcomes. If mistakes were made, analyze their causes and learn how to avoid them in the future.

7. Avoid Perfectionism and Excessive Emotional Thinking

Do not let perfectionism or emotions control your decision-making. A pragmatic person avoids being driven by impractical or unrealistic ideas. Base your decisions on facts and reality.
 Tip: If facing an emotional situation, try to stay calm and objective. Taking a short break before making a decision can help you avoid impulsive or irrational choices.

8. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Interacting with others in a clear and efficient manner is essential for pragmatism. Use simple and direct language, focusing on conveying ideas that contribute to problem-solving or goal achievement.
 Tip: Be an active listener and express your thoughts clearly. Avoid conversations that go off-topic or cause unnecessary distractions.

9. Acknowledge Mistakes and Learn from Them

A pragmatic person does not fear admitting mistakes. If you make an error, acknowledge it and immediately seek solutions to improve the situation. Learning from mistakes is a crucial part of personal growth.
 Tip: Do not be afraid of failure; instead, see it as an opportunity to improve. Accept constructive criticism and use it to enhance your performance.

10. Be Realistic in Assessing Risks and Opportunities

A pragmatic person evaluates risks logically and does not overestimate or underestimate them. When analyzing a situation, consider all influencing factors, both positive and negative.
???? Tip: Use rational analysis when considering your options. If a situation involves high risk, find ways to balance risks and potential rewards.

11. Develop Self-Discipline

Achieving pragmatic goals requires self-discipline. Staying committed to your plans and avoiding procrastination is essential for success.
 Tip: Create a schedule and regularly review your progress. Stay committed to the practical steps you have set for yourself.

12. Learn to Manage Time Effectively

One of the most critical aspects of a pragmatic personality is the ability to manage time efficiently. Working effectively requires organizing time to focus on priorities.
 Tip: Divide your time into dedicated periods for the most important tasks. Use tools like calendars or task lists to stay on track.

Disadvantages of a Pragmatic Personality

Although a pragmatic personality has many strengths, it also has some drawbacks that may affect interactions with others or specific situations. Here are some of the potential disadvantages of being pragmatic:

1. Lack of Fixed Principles

Pragmatic individuals often make decisions based on what is practical and realistic, sometimes disregarding ethical principles or fixed values. This may lead to actions that do not align with personal or societal morals, which could be important to others.

2. Occasional Selfishness

Due to their focus on personal and practical outcomes, pragmatic people may be perceived as selfish or unconcerned about the well-being of others. In their pursuit of goals, they might overlook the needs or emotions of those around them, prioritizing their own interests.

3. Disregard for Emotions

Pragmatic individuals tend to approach situations with objectivity and logic, which can make them seem emotionally detached or insensitive. They may struggle to empathize with others or recognize the emotional aspects of certain situations.

4. Underestimating Abstract or Creative Ideas

A pragmatic person may see abstract or creative ideas as having little value unless they are practically applicable. This mindset might lead them to dismiss innovative concepts that seem unrealistic at first but could offer long-term benefits.

5. Overemphasis on Results

In their drive to achieve goals, pragmatic individuals might focus excessively on the end result, neglecting the process itself. This could lead to overlooking important aspects such as human interactions, ethical considerations, or aesthetic values.

6. Difficulty Adapting to Idealistic Concepts

Since pragmatists focus only on what is practically achievable, they may struggle to engage with idealistic or philosophical concepts that cannot be easily applied in reality. This can make them resistant to ideas that require long-term thinking or abstract reasoning.

7. Skepticism Toward Long-Term Plans

Pragmatic people often prefer quick, measurable results. If a plan or idea requires long-term commitment without immediate benefits, they might not give it the attention it deserves, favoring short-term solutions instead.

8. Ethical Flexibility Under Pressure

When faced with significant challenges or pressures, a pragmatic individual might compromise on certain values or ethical principles if they conflict with their immediate goals. This could negatively impact their relationships, as they might be seen as unreliable or opportunistic.

9. Avoidance of High-Risk Decisions

Despite their logical decision-making skills, pragmatic individuals can be overly cautious when it comes to high-risk choices. If future opportunities are uncertain or require bold action, they may shy away from taking significant risks.

10. Lack of Dedication and Loyalty

Because of their practical mindset, pragmatic people may exhibit lower levels of loyalty or dedication in certain situations. For instance, they might leave a job or relationship if they no longer see practical benefits, making them seem inconsistent in their commitments.

11. Challenges in Building Deep Personal Relationships

With their strong focus on achievement and results, pragmatic individuals may struggle to build deep, lasting personal relationships. Emotional connections and mutual care might take a backseat to immediate success and efficiency.

12. Imbalance Between Work and Personal Life

Since pragmatists constantly strive for effective and realistic results, they may become overly absorbed in work or goal achievement at the expense of their personal lives. This imbalance can lead to mental and emotional health issues over time.


Ways to Deal with a Pragmatic Personality

Dealing with a pragmatic personality requires specific skills and techniques to interact effectively, whether in the workplace or personal relationships. Since pragmatic individuals focus on results and practical decisions, it is essential to understand their needs and approach them in a way that aligns with their way of thinking and decision-making. Here are some effective ways to deal with a pragmatic personality:

1. Be Clear and Direct

Pragmatic individuals prefer clarity in communication. Avoid being vague or discussing theoretical topics that may not be applicable. Use simple and direct language and clearly define your objectives.
Tip: When speaking with a pragmatic person, present ideas and suggestions straightforwardly without unnecessary complexity. If you have an idea or a plan, present it logically and realistically, emphasizing tangible results.

2. Rely on Facts and Data

Pragmatic individuals base their decisions on facts and real data. When trying to convince a pragmatic person of an idea or proposal, rely on clear evidence and proven information.
Tip: Provide reliable facts, data-supported evidence, or real figures that back up your viewpoint. Avoid discussions that lack measurable reality or solid proof.

3. Avoid Overwhelming Them with Complex Choices

Pragmatic individuals tend to avoid overly complicated matters or situations with too many unrealistic options. Keep things as simple as possible.
Tip: Present specific and straightforward choices that do not require excessive contemplation. Be realistic in presenting options and focus on those that achieve the desired outcome with minimal effort.

4. Offer Practical Solutions

Pragmatic people always look for practical solutions to problems. If you face an issue with a pragmatic person, try to present a clear and actionable solution.
Tip: Instead of dwelling on the problem itself, offer clear and simple solutions. If you have an idea for resolving an issue, present it practically with well-defined steps for implementation.

5. Respect Their Preference for Efficiency

Pragmatic individuals value efficiency and effectiveness in work. If you work with a pragmatic person, try to be organized and efficient in executing tasks.
Tip: When collaborating with a pragmatic person, avoid wasting time on unnecessary discussions or activities that do not lead to direct results. Always offer practical solutions that save time and effort.

6. Be Flexible with Changes

Pragmatists are highly adaptable and quickly accept changes when necessary. When dealing with a pragmatic person, be prepared to adjust plans or explore new approaches if needed.
Tip: If a sudden change in plans or goals occurs, acknowledge it realistically and adjust your actions quickly without clinging to outdated solutions. Pragmatic individuals prefer to adapt efficiently to reality.

7. Be Cautious with Emotional Topics

Pragmatic individuals may not have a strong interest in emotions or emotional situations unless they directly impact practical results. When dealing with them, try to remain as objective as possible.
Tip: Maintain a neutral tone and avoid excessive emotional discussions or personal opinions. Focus on what can be practically achieved.

8. Start with Realistic Solutions When Discussing Problems

When discussing an issue with a pragmatic person, avoid overwhelming them with abstract concepts or long-term solutions that take too much time to implement. Always provide a solution that can be applied immediately.
Tip: When raising an issue, focus on aspects that can be easily resolved. Use practical and realistic examples to demonstrate how the problem can be addressed effectively.

9. Show Respect for Their Decisions

Since pragmatic individuals rely on rational thinking and independent decision-making, it is essential to respect their choices and perspectives, even if you disagree with them.
Tip: Acknowledge their decisions and offer constructive feedback if you have a different opinion. Try to be supportive rather than pressuring them to change their viewpoint.

10. Recognize Their Achievements

Pragmatic individuals like to see results. When they achieve a goal or reach a practical outcome, acknowledge their success and show appreciation for it. This strengthens trust between you and them.
Tip: If you achieve a shared success with a pragmatic person, recognize the outcome and express appreciation for what has been accomplished. This makes them feel that their efforts have paid off.

11. Keep Expectations Realistic

When dealing with a pragmatic person, try to keep your expectations practical and based on available resources rather than unrealistic goals.
Tip: Set logical expectations based on what can be achieved within the available means. Avoid overwhelming a pragmatic person with unrealistic promises.

12. Avoid Unproductive Arguments

Since pragmatic individuals dislike engaging in fruitless debates or excessive discussions about ideas that do not lead to concrete results, try to avoid long conversations that do not have a practical purpose.
Tip: If you are in a discussion with a pragmatic person, stay solution-oriented rather than engaging in philosophical or emotional debates that may seem unproductive to them.


The appropriate medical specialty for analyzing the pragmatic personality and understanding thought and behavior patterns includes:

 Psychiatrist: If this personality trait significantly impacts an individual’s life or relationships, especially if accompanied by mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
 Psychotherapist: To help the person develop coping skills, improve communication, and gain deeper self-awareness.
 Life Coach or Personal Development Specialist: To support personality growth and guide the individual in achieving practical goals efficiently and effectively.