Masterful performances, actions that can be repeated on a high level, require a performer who has a high degree of fixed thinking. Creative performances, actions that are new and useful, require a performer who has a high degree of fluid thinking.

What's the difference in thinking? Fixed thinking is more convergent, more directive, and more conscious. Convergent in the sense that we move towards a pattern that's worked before, directive in that we have a clear goal, and conscious in that we are aware of what we are doing. On the other hand, fluid thinking is more divergent, more associative, and more unconscious. Divergent in the sense that we search amongst many possible patterns, associative in that we follow a thread instead of a goal, and unconscious in that we are largely unaware of what we are doing. Essentially, the fixed thinker selects from choices that are deep -- they're very similar -- and comes up with a choice that is right. The fluid thinker selects from choices that are broad -- they're more dissimilar -- and comes up with a choice that is appropriate.

Are you a fluid thinker? You may be if your life looks like this:  A lot of my thinking is intuitive. I can switch roles to fit the situation. I borrow from other parts of myself to get the job done. I'm interested in transforming rather than conserving. And while others search for the right way, I search for the many ways. 

If you find that you are a fluid thinker or want to become one, you may want to see how a fluid thinker's education differs from that of a fixed thinker's.