The Internal Tug-of-War: Navigating Our Insights Discovery Colour Energies
- info9686068
- Dec 10, 2024
- 10 min read
Have you ever found yourself reflecting on a conversation or decision, wondering if you came across as too direct, too emotional, too cautious, or too detached? This type of internal conflict is common for those familiar with the Insights Discovery system, where we express a blend of four colour energies: Cool Blue, Earth Green, Sunshine Yellow, and Fiery Red. Each colour represents distinct preferences and behaviours, and while they work together to shape our personality, they can also create tension within us.
Let’s delve into how these colour energies interact and sometimes clash, and how we can embrace this dynamic to live and work more authentically.
Understanding the Colour Energies
Before we explore the internal conflicts, here’s a quick recap of the Insights Discovery colour energies:
• Cool Blue: Focused, logical, and analytical. Prefers order, facts, and objectivity.
•. Earth Green: Compassionate, empathetic, and harmonious. Values relationships and understanding.
•. Sunshine Yellow: Optimistic, enthusiastic, and sociable. Draws energy from interaction and inspiration.
•. Fiery Red: Direct, driven, and action-oriented. Thrives on results and fast decision-making.
We all have a mix of these energies, though their intensity and order of preference vary. This combination makes us unique but can also lead to internal conflict when our behaviours and values seem to contradict one another. While each energy has its strengths, it’s the interplay between them that often creates this inner tension. When one energy pulls us toward action while another calls for patience, or when logic competes with empathy, we experience an internal push and pull. These moments of conflict aren’t a sign of weakness — they’re an opportunity to harness the best of both energies.
Let’s explore how these internal colour pairings interact within us, the challenges they present, and how we can navigate them with greater self-awareness and balance.
🔵 🟢 Cool Blue vs. Earth Green: The Rational vs. Relational Tug-of-War
People with strong Cool Blue energy value logic and objectivity. They often make decisions based on data and evidence, seeking the “right” answer. But when Earth Green energy is also high, this focus on facts might conflict with a desire to maintain harmony and emotional connection.
Imagine someone delivering a performance review. Their Cool Blue might lead them to focus on constructive criticism, addressing areas for improvement with precision. But their Earth Green may leave them feeling guilty afterward, wondering if they were compassionate enough or if their feedback could have been gentler.
Tip: Recognising the strengths of both energies allows this individual to combine constructive feedback with encouragement, showing both precision and empathy.
🔵 🟢 Balancing logic and objectivity (Cool Blue) with empathy and emotional connection (Earth Green)
Tools & Strategies:
Switch From "What" to "Who"
When to use: When you feel too focused on "What needs to be done" (Cool Blue) at the expense of "Who is affected" (Earth Green).
How it works: Before making decisions, list the "What" questions (e.g., What is the process? What’s the outcome?) and the "Who" questions (e.g., Who will be affected? Who needs support?).
Why it works: Cool Blue focuses on the "What" and Earth Green focuses on the "Who." By balancing both, you create better solutions.
Empathy Prompts
When to use: When you're feeling overly logical (Cool Blue) and struggling to access empathy (Earth Green).
How it works: Ask yourself:
"How would I explain this decision to a friend?"
"What would I want someone to say to me if I were in their position?"
"If I were on the receiving end of this decision, how would I feel?"
Why it works: Empathy is a muscle. These prompts help you activate Earth Green's relational energy when Cool Blue is dominating.
The Human Factor Checklist
When to use: Before sending an email, giving feedback, or making an analytical decision.
How it works: After drafting an email or plan, review it for these points:
Is the tone approachable? (Earth Green)
Have I shown compassion or support? (Earth Green)
Are the facts clear? (Cool Blue)
Is it logical and well-structured? (Cool Blue)
🟡 🔵 Sunshine Yellow vs. Cool Blue: The Dreamer vs. the Analyst
Sunshine Yellow thrives on big ideas, creativity, and connection. It loves to brainstorm, take risks, and energise others. Cool Blue, on the other hand, is cautious, detail-oriented, and skeptical of overly ambitious plans.
Someone with high Sunshine Yellow and Cool Blue may feel torn when dreaming up an exciting new project. Their Sunshine Yellow wants to jump in enthusiastically, while their Cool Blue pulls back, insisting on careful planning and realistic expectations. This internal debate can create frustration or hesitation.
Tip: By balancing optimism with critical thinking, this individual can harness the energy of big ideas while ensuring those ideas are practical and achievable.
🟡 🔵 Balancing caution and structure (Cool Blue) with creativity and spontaneity (Sunshine Yellow)
Tools & Strategies:
The "Yes, But" Method
When to use: When Cool Blue's skepticism is stopping Sunshine Yellow's creativity.
How it works: Instead of saying "That won't work," say, "Yes, but how could it work if...?"
Why it works: It shifts the Cool Blue mindset from critique to problem-solving, allowing Yellow’s creativity to continue while still addressing risks.
The Diverge & Converge Approach
When to use: When brainstorming big ideas (Yellow) but needing to analyze them (Blue).
How it works:
Diverge: Spend 15 minutes generating wild, imaginative ideas (Yellow).
Converge: Spend 15 minutes using Cool Blue to analyze and refine the list.
Don't analyze while brainstorming! Keep the two processes separate.
Why it works: It prevents Cool Blue from killing ideas too early while ensuring ideas remain practical.
The 3-Stage "Idea Filter"
When to use: After brainstorming with Yellow energy.
How it works: Create a 3-step filter using Cool Blue's criteria:
Is it feasible?
Do we have the resources?
Does it fit within the bigger plan?
Why it works: Sunshine Yellow loves big ideas, but Cool Blue provides structure. This method lets Yellow dream big while ensuring only viable ideas are pursued.
🔴 🟢 Fiery Red vs. Earth Green: The Achiever vs. the Supporter
Fiery Red is all about action, results, and decisiveness. It thrives on momentum and doesn’t shy away from confrontation if it means getting the job done. Earth Green, in contrast, avoids conflict and prioritises harmony, valuing the well-being of others over efficiency.
Imagine a leader with strong Fiery Red energy who needs to make a quick decision to meet a deadline. Their Earth Green may hold them back, worrying about how the decision will affect the team or whether everyone feels heard. Afterward, they might feel regret for being “too forceful” or “not considerate enough.”
Tip: By acknowledging both energies, this leader can act decisively while ensuring that their team feels respected and valued in the process.
🔴 🟢 Balancing fast, decisive action (Fiery Red) with empathy, harmony, and people-first thinking (Earth Green)
Tools & Strategies:
The "Kind & Clear" Method
When to use: When you need to give clear direction (Red) while maintaining relationships (Green).
How it works:
Start by acknowledging the person’s perspective (Green) — “I understand this may feel unexpected.”
Deliver a clear, direct message (Red) — “We’ll be moving forward with this approach to meet our deadline.”
Close with reassurance (Green) — “If you have any questions, I’m happy to support you through it.”
Why it works: This approach allows you to maintain clarity and speed (Red) without damaging relationships (Green). It signals to others that you care, even when fast action is needed.
The "Task vs. People" Balance
When to use: When you feel torn between focusing on the task (Red) or focusing on people (Green).
How it works:
List out two key questions:
Task: What action will achieve the best result?
People: How will this affect the people involved?
If possible, identify a step that satisfies both sides. For example, if you need to hit a deadline (Red), you might still schedule a 5-minute team check-in (Green) before taking action.
Why it works: This approach stops you from focusing too heavily on speed (Red) or harmony (Green) alone. By reflecting on both priorities, you’re more likely to make thoughtful, well-rounded decisions.
The "Compassionate No"
When to use: When you need to say no (Red) while preserving relationships (Green).
How it works:
Step 1: Acknowledge the effort or request (Green) — “I appreciate you raising this.”
Step 2: Clearly state your decision (Red) — “Unfortunately, I’m unable to move forward with this at this time.”
Step 3: Offer support or an alternative (Green) — “However, I’m happy to revisit it next month.”
Why it works:This method allows you to stay firm (Red) while protecting relationships (Green). It also reduces feelings of guilt, as you’re offering support even as you decline.
🔴 🔵 Fiery Red vs. Cool Blue: The Impulsive vs. the Strategic
Fiery Red’s direct, action-oriented approach can clash with Cool Blue’s need for analysis and structure. Someone who embodies both energies might feel conflicted when urgency arises. Their Fiery Red pushes them to act quickly, while their Cool Blue urges them to slow down and gather more data.
For instance, during a crisis, the Fiery Red might make a bold, immediate decision, only for the Cool Blue to question whether all angles were considered. This tension can lead to second-guessing or dissatisfaction with their own response.
Tip: Recognising the value of each energy allows this person to act with urgency while incorporating enough analysis to ensure informed decisions.
🔴 🔵 Balancing logical planning (Cool Blue) with fast, decisive action (Fiery Red).
Tools & Strategies
The 80/20 Decision Rule
When to use: When you're stuck in "analysis paralysis" (Cool Blue) but need to act (Fiery Red).
How it works:
Ask: "If I had to act right now, with only 80% of the information, what would I do?"
Take action based on that answer.
Why it works: Cool Blue waits for 100% certainty. Fiery Red is fine with "good enough." The 80/20 rule gives you permission to move forward with less than perfect information.
Data-Driven Speed Check
When to use: When Fiery Red urges you to act, but Cool Blue is holding you back.
How it works: Before making a decision, quickly collect 3-5 key data points.
If you can’t get them quickly, move forward with Fiery Red action.
If you can collect them quickly, adjust the plan accordingly.
Why it works: This method satisfies Cool Blue’s need for logic while preserving Red’s urgency.
The Decision Audit
When to use: After a big decision has been made.
How it works: Look back and review the decision. Ask:
"Which energy dominated this decision — Red or Blue?"
"Did I act too quickly (Red) or overthink (Blue)?"
Why it works: This audit helps you identify overuse of one energy and make better decisions next time.
🟡 🟢 Sunshine Yellow vs. Earth Green: The Exuberant vs. the Grounded
Sunshine Yellow’s natural enthusiasm for social interaction and innovation can sometimes overpower Earth Green’s quieter, more introspective nature. Someone high in both energies may feel conflicted between being the life of the party and needing time to nurture deep, meaningful connections.
For example, in a busy networking environment, their Sunshine Yellow might shine, drawing people in with their charisma. Later, their Earth Green might feel drained or guilty for not spending quality time with a few close connections instead.
Tip: This individual can balance their energies by allowing time for both wide-reaching social interactions and deeper one-on-one connections.
🟡 🟢 Balancing compassion and depth (Earth Green) with energy and social connection (Sunshine Yellow)
Tools & Strategies:
The "Light & Deep" Approach
When to use: During social situations where you want both connection (Green) and energy (Yellow).
How it works:
Spend the first half of an event using Yellow (chatting with lots of people).
Spend the second half using Green (focusing on deeper connections).
Why it works: Yellow energy socializes widely, but Green energy prefers deeper 1:1 interactions. This method balances both.
The "Depth vs. Breadth" Planner
When to use: When planning your week.
How it works:
Highlight "Breadth Tasks" (interactions with lots of people).
Highlight "Depth Tasks" (1:1 connections, like mentoring or deep work).
Why it works: It ensures both energies get a chance to be expressed each week.
The "3 People, 3 Conversations" Rule
When to use: At events or gatherings.
How it works:
Set a goal to meet 3 new people (Yellow) and have 3 deeper conversations (Green).
Why it works: Yellow energy thrives on new connections, while Green wants depth. This rule balances both goals.
🟡 🔴 Sunshine Yellow vs. Fiery Red: The Visionary vs. the Driver
Sunshine Yellow thrives on excitement, big ideas, and inspiring others, while Fiery Red is focused on action, speed, and achieving results. For someone with strong Yellow and Red energies, the tension often arises between wanting to explore possibilities and feeling compelled to take immediate action.
Imagine someone leading a project. Their Sunshine Yellow energy sparks enthusiasm for brainstorming bold, creative ideas. But their Fiery Red energy pushes them to make quick decisions and get results fast. This person might feel conflicted between exploring options thoroughly and taking decisive action to maintain momentum.
Tip: By allowing time for ideation while also setting clear deadlines, this individual can harness the strengths of both energies. They can channel their enthusiasm to inspire others and then activate their Fiery Red to drive action and execution.
🟡 🔴 Balancing excitement and creativity (Yellow) with action and speed (Red)
Tools & Strategies:
The Idea to Action Method
When to use: When you have too many ideas (Yellow) but need to act (Red).
How it works:
Write down 3 big ideas.
For each idea, write down 1 action you can take today.
Why it works: Yellow creates big ideas, but Red demands action. This method bridges both energies.
The "Launch & Learn" Approach
When to use: When you’re stuck in "planning mode" (Yellow).
How it works:
Launch your idea as a "version 1.0" and adjust it based on feedback.
Why it works: It allows Yellow to embrace creativity, while Red pushes for immediate action.
The Action-First Mindset
When to use: When Yellow is dreaming big, but Red wants progress.
How it works:
Commit to taking 1 small action toward a big idea today.
Why it works: It satisfies Yellow’s creativity while giving Red its need for action.
Embracing the Conflict
The interplay of our colour energies is not a flaw—it’s a strength. These internal conflicts remind us of our complexity and capacity to adapt. When we feel torn between energies, it’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and consciously choose how to respond.
Here are a few strategies to navigate this internal tug-of-war:
Acknowledge the Conflict: Recognise when your energies are clashing and give yourself permission to feel that tension.
Reflect on Context: Consider which energy is best suited for the situation at hand and allow it to take the lead.
Integrate Your Energies: Instead of choosing one energy over another, find ways to blend them. For example, combine Cool Blue’s objectivity with Earth Green’s compassion or Fiery Red’s decisiveness with Sunshine Yellow’s enthusiasm.
Practice Self-Compassion: Accept that no decision or interaction will ever be perfect. Appreciate the effort you put into balancing your values and behaviours.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the Insights Discovery colour energies is not just about identifying how we interact with others—it’s also about exploring how we interact with ourselves. The internal push and pull between our dominant and secondary energies can create tension, but it’s also where growth and self-awareness thrive.
The next time you feel conflicted, remind yourself that this is simply your unique blend of colour energies working together. By embracing the interplay, you can make decisions and engage with others in ways that honour the full spectrum of who you are.
What colour energies do you find yourself navigating most often? Share your experiences and let’s keep the conversation going!