Critical thinking goes beyond just being a method or process in our lives – it’s a presupposed mindset that enables you to think critically. By embracing critical thinking as a mindset, you open doors to amazing results and achievements. Indeed, it allows you to closely examine your surroundings and experiences, challenge the norm, and discover creative solutions. This empowering way of thinking transforms how you handle problems and boost your success. In this article, I’ll explain the essential aspects of critical thinking, clarify what it isn’t, and reveal 9 ways for you to make critical thinking a habit.
“It doesn’t take time to think right. It only takes the willingness to do so.”
Kenneth G. Mills
To Think Critically Is More Than Just A Set Of Skills Or A Process To Follow.
Critical thinking is often misunderstood as just a set of skills or a process to follow. While it does involve skills such as analysis, evaluation, and synthesis, and while it does require us to follow certain steps, critical thinking goes beyond this. It is an attitude, a mindset that encourages curiosity and skepticism, that prompts us to question our assumptions, and that urges us to seek diverse perspectives and to consider multiple possibilities. To better understand the components of critical thinking, I think the authors of The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal say it well:
“…a composite of attitudes, knowledge and skills. This composite includes: (1) attitudes of inquiry that involve an ability to recognize the existence of problems and an acceptance of the general need for evidence in support of what is asserted to be true; (2) knowledge of the nature of valid inferences, abstractions, and generalizations in which the weight or accuracy of different kinds of evidence are logically determined; and (3) skills in employing and applying the above attitudes and knowledge.”
So, critical thinking is not a checklist or multi-step process in itself that a person goes through to achieve an outcome such as forming an opinion or deciding on a course of action. First, and foremost, you need a disposition to move forward with critical thinking. Indeed, this mindset is crucial in recognizing that there is a problem and that there is a need that requires critical thinking. Then, that is when you apply both your knowledge and skills to think through the problem and come to a conclusion.
Think Critically: 11 Examples Of What It Is Not.
Now, let’s talk about what critical thinking is not. First, critical thinking is not about being negative or overly critical. Instead, it is about being open-minded and objective, about seeking truth and understanding. Further, critical thinking is about being willing to reconsider our beliefs and assumptions, to look at things from different perspectives, and to make informed decisions. Below are 11 examples of what thinking critically is not.
- All or Nothing Thinking.
- Overgeneralizing.
- Over Filtering the Positive or Negative.
- Catastrophizing and Over Magnifying.
- Jumping to Conclusions.
- Reasoning By Emotions.
- Labeling and Mislabeling.
- Cognitive Bias, Not Impartial.
- The Fallacy That You Can Control Everything.
- Rigid Thinking and Over Reliance on “Should” Statements.
- Shallow Thinking: Descriptive Versus Analytical.
For a more detailed discussion on thinking errors, see my article, Thinking Errors You Need To Know To Avoid For Superior Decision-Making
Thinking Errors You Need To Know To Avoid For Superior Decision-Making.
Many of us overlook a critical barrier when in the process of making decisions: thinking errors. These are those sneaky mistakes in our judgment that can lead us off course. Understanding these errors is far more than just theory—it’s a tool that can revolutionize both our work and personal life. Left unchecked, these errors can wreak havoc on our mental and emotional balance. Click here and I’ll share with you 11 types of common thinking errors along with real-life examples from the boardroom to the living room.
“A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.”
William James
9 Habits To Help You Create A Mindset That Thinks Critically.
Developing an attitude that thinks critically involves cultivating certain habits. These include the habit of questioning, of looking beyond the obvious, and of considering multiple perspectives. Further, it involves the habit of seeking evidence and of being skeptical of claims without evidence. Also, it involves the habit of reflecting on your beliefs and assumptions, of being open to new ideas, and of being willing to change your mind based on new information. Indeed, these habits can enable you to think critically and to approach problems and decisions with an empowering perspective. Below are 9 habits that can help you to create a mindset that thinks critically.
9 Habits For Thinking Critically
1. Embrace Intellectual Humility.
Absolutely, you need to cultivate the habit of acknowledging the limits of your knowledge in order to keep learning and evaluating new ideas.
2. Embrace Different Perspectives.
Indeed, encourage yourself to consider alternative viewpoints, fostering a thought process that evaluates all angles of a situation.
3. Evaluate Evidence and Arguments Objectively.
Obviously, make it a practice to assess all evidence and arguments without personal bias, ensuring fair and logical conclusions.
4. Evaluate Assumptions and Biases.
Without a doubt, train your mind to recognize and question your own preconceptions and prejudices. As a result, this will lead to a more objective analysis.
5. Be Confident in Your Reasoning.
Absolutely, you need to develop confidence in your analytical abilities. Thus, this will empower you to actively pursue your own thinking with rigor.
6. Cultivate Curiosity.
Indeed, nurture a sense of curiosity about the world around you. As a result, you spark a continuous desire for knowledge and thinking through problems.
7. Be Level Headed.
Unquestionably, it is through experience and maturity that you are able to maintain your composure even in stressful situations. Further, this habit gives you the assurance that you know you can rely on your thought processes to get through any situation.
8. Practice Reflective Thinking And Self-Awareness.
Regularly engage in introspection and stay self-aware to continuously enhance your own thought processes.
9. Ask Thought-Provoking Questions.
Part of critical thinking is communicating with others. This includes asking meaningful questions to stimulate the thought process in yourself and others. The Socratic Method is an example of asking thought-provoking questions to facilitate critical thinking.
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”
Aristotle
For more ideas and discussion on critical thinking, see Oklahoma State University’s Introduction to Critical Thinking and Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy’s Critical Thinking.
For more from Unvarnished Facts, see latest articles on decision-making, creativity, and learning.
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