Fitness

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

What is aptitude?

The fitness is the ability of an individual to perform efficiently and correctly in an activity and specific context. In other words, it is about having the sufficiency, suitability, capacity and disposition necessary to meet an expectation, whether physical, mental or psychological.

The word aptitude comes from Latin aptitudewhich translates “skill” or “faculty”, and is usually used in various areas with the same meaning. In the case of psychology, however, this concept encompasses both mental or cognitive abilities (reasoning, mental speed, etc.), as well as emotional or personality abilities.

This concept It is related to the intelligence of the individual and their innate and learned abilities. Put very simply, 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 refer to the ability to do something ideally, but with attitude we refer to the willingness to do something ideally.

I mean, attitude has nothing to do with ability but with how committed we are with the work to be carried out, how much of our effort and our energy and our concentration we are willing to put into what we must carry out.

Thus, a person with the necessary skills 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 can refer to the predisposition and behavior towards anything. That is to say, it not only refers to a task, but you can have a defined attitude towards a person, a situation or towards life itself.

Continue in: Attitude

Types of aptitude

In psychology, the following types of aptitude are distinguished:

• Abstract or scientific. It consists of the ability to understand theories and principles that describe 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.
• Numeric. The ability to successfully carry out operations of all kinds with numbers and logical systems, such as mathematics, accounting, logic, etc.
• Verbal. It has to do with the use of language, to express complex concepts and do so in a useful, elegant or even aesthetic way.
• Mechanics. In this case it is related to movement, the displacement of bodies, as in engineering.
• Artistic or plastic. The ability to handle shapes, colors and lines, to obtain aesthetic effects on the viewer. Obviously, it is useful for painting and fine 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 the formation of communities.
• Executive. That which is linked to leadership, to the production and implementation of projects, or the coordination of groups.
• Persuasive. It has to do with argumentation, debate, convincing others of a certain point of view.

Examples of professional skills

Some examples of skills linked to professional performance, that is, the ability to work, are the following:

• Flexibility. It does not refer to physical flexibility, but rather mental and work flexibility, that is, the ability to adapt to different tasks and working conditions, and perform these tasks correctly, assuming 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 work and, therefore, deposit a high margin of energy into it, without the need for any authority to be behind him. calling him to chapter or encouraging him.
• Communicativeness. It is about the ability to communicate with your subordinates, colleagues or superiors in an efficient, respectful and active manner. The most communicative employees are able to transmit instructions, report problems on time, etc.
• Optimism. Although it may not seem like it, the ability to see the good side of things is highly valued in certain professional environments. More than anything because it translates into a good willingness to solve problems, and low labor conflict.

Physical fitness

It is understood by physical fitness the natural condition of an individual's body, in order to perform different physical tasks or athletic. Good physical fitness translates into minimum resistance, strength, speed and flexibility margins that allow physical tasks to be carried out satisfactorily.

This aptitude is usually measured through physical examinations, and is essential, for example, to enter the army or register in gyms or certain sports competitions.

References

• “Aptitude” on Wikipedia.
• “Aptitude” in the Language Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy.
• “Aptitude and attitude at work” at ESERP Business School & Law School.
• “What are the professional skills most valued by a company?” at EAE Business School.
• “Physical fitness and exercise” on MedLine Plus.