Imagine yourself stranded on a deserted island.
It is an uncharted land with no people, no food, and dangerous furry animals.
Alone, your stomach gnaws with hunger, the sun scorches your skin, and the vast blue sea mocks your attempts to escape. Do you:
(a) Try hard to think up an escape plan until your brain melts?
(b) Throw your hands up, and give in to hunger and nature?
(c) Grab that coconut, fashion a makeshift spear, and declare:
“Bring it on, island!”
Whatever you decide, turns out your response might be less to do with your will to live and more to do with your DNA.
Is Your Stress Response Genetic?
“There is a time to let things happen, and a time to make things happen.” Hugh Prather
Partly, yes. Genes including MAOA, COMT, 5-HTTLPR and DRD4 are associated with how people respond to adversity, and whether you fight first or think first leans on them.
Our determination in the face of adversity is not just about grit and willpower.
Studies suggest genes like MAOA, COMT, 5-HTTLPR, and DRD4 actually play a role in shaping our resilience.
Think of them as your genetic cheerleaders or pessimists, influencing whether you roar “Bring it on!” or whisper “Maybe another day”.
People with the “Fighter” gene variants (for example, high MAOA) tend to be action-oriented, and are more likely to push through challenges with unwavering resolve.
But “Thinkers”, who might possess variations of DRD4 and 5-HTTLPR (associated with risk-taking), enjoy strategising, leading them to carefully consider all angles before leaping.
However, having the “Fighter” gene does not guarantee success, and being a “Thinker” does not doom you to indecisiveness. It is all about context.
A “Fighter” might excel in physically demanding jobs, but overthink in delicate social situations. Conversely, a “Thinker” might thrive in strategic roles but struggle with deadlines.
But wait, here is a twist.
Both Together: Entrepreneur’s Edge
“Genetic factors affect the tendency to recognize entrepreneurial opportunities and the tendency to start businesses.” Forbes
The real magic truly happens when both tendencies find harmony.
Studies suggest that individuals with high expressions of both “Fighter” and “Thinker” genes often make exceptional leaders and entrepreneurs.
They possess the drive to achieve their goals (the Fighters), and the analytical prowess to navigate complex challenges (the Thinkers).
These genes are also heritable, meaning children of leaders and entrepreneurs tend to be leaders and entrepreneurs themselves.
So, what does this knowledge mean for you?
Living Your Life By Design
“In China, some parents are participating in a program that uses DNA testing to identify genetic gifts for their children.” CNN
Creating a better life, and career, for yourself is more likely if you know your personality tendencies. Here are some ways you can do it.
- Empower your child. If you are a parent, recognising your child’s natural tendencies can help you tailor your parenting style. Encourage your little “Thinkers” to explore and experiment, while providing structure for your young “Fighters” to channel their energy more productively.
- Advance your career. Understanding your own genetic leanings can help you choose a career path that aligns with your strengths. If you are a decisive “Fighter”, sales or project management might be for you. If you are a meticulous “Thinker”, then consider research or analytical roles.
- Improve your love life. Recognising your partner’s (and your own) genetic tendencies can foster empathy and understanding. If your partner is a “Thinker” who loves to plan, be patient with their deliberation. If you are a spontaneous “Fighter” who loves excitement, communicate your needs for things you find fun.
- Enhance family bonding. Knowing your family’s genetic predispositions can help navigate conflict and build stronger relationships. Appreciate the unique strengths each family member brings, and do not try to force “Thinkers” to be impulsive, nor expect “Fighters” to always analyse every move.
Remember, everyone is wired differently. Appreciate the diverse perspectives and approach each relationship uniquely.
Conclusion
“Know Thyself Is the First Step to Life Change.” Psychology Today
While genes are powerful, they are not your destiny. You can control them.
Personal development (life coaching, for example) can help you identify your natural tendencies and develop strategies to overcome their limitations. Think of it as rewiring your brain’s response to challenges, leveraging both your “Fighter” and “Thinker” sides for optimal results.
So next time you face a challenge, remember, it is not just your will at play, but a fascinating dance between your genes and your environment. Embrace the complexity, understand your wiring, and use it to your advantage.
Whether you are a born Fighter, a pondering Thinker, or a magnificent blend of both, you have the power to overcome any obstacle, one determined step (or well-thought-out plan) at a time.
You got this!
Sources
- Psychobiology and molecular genetics of resilience (2009)
- Monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA) predicts behavioral aggression following provocation (PNAS, 2009)
- Genetic determinants of financial risk taking (2008)
- 7 reasons why successful entrepreneurship requires deep thinking (2018)
- The contribution of behavior genetics to entrepreneurship: an evolutionary perspective (2019)
How you handle pressure is exactly what the DNA-Archetypes describe, and the quiz gives you a preview of your own in about two minutes.
