If I look back at the years when I was a child, I could have never told you who I would be today. I recall when I first understood the concept of critical thinking in third grade and began applying it to my thinking. Among the first things I would think about was why I had to go to school and suffer; the other was thinking about how to make it big in life. Though I did not have a plan or a course of action along with my dreams, my thinking grew more profound throughout the years.

One of the things that sparked a more profound way of thinking was religion. Though religion is not necessary for this process, it was what led me down the path to one day becoming a mindset coach. Thinking about a deity that you could not see gave much to the imagination to take over. This also led to curiosity, a fundamental nature of critical thinking. I had an interview with a guest, and she asked me if I was curious about where I replied no, but after thinking about it, I realized I was curious about many things.

That curiosity has not only come about in my adult years but has been a staple in my youth. When I was younger, I was a child that my parents would give away for a million dollars, but that small fortune they would have gained would be nothing compared to what I have given them to date. The compound interest of my curiosity has taken hold of the minds of the world, and critical thinking has begun to flow again, but an issue must be fixed.

Knowing what I know, critical thinking and imagination are closely linked. The issue today in the school system is that the imagination of the youth is destroyed during the educational process. The system is built to create worker bees, not critical thinkers, so it makes sense that imagination and shunned. It also makes sense that the arts are the first to go when they are doing budget cuts.

While some may assume that critical thinking is an innate ability alone, the truth is that it can be developed and honed with practice. The art of critical thinking is an almost forgotten form that many people lack. They also lack common sense today, but it can be fixed through wisdom or world experience. However, critical thinking must come from within, and learning to ask the right questions at the right time. Sometimes we must listen, sometimes, we must think, and sometimes we must ask; that is what critical thinking is at its core.

There are strategies that I will share with you today that you or anyone can begin to apply more critical thinking into your life. First, I want to share with you the benefits of critical thinking. The top benefit of critical thinking is that you will learn more about your true nature. This will result in you finding meaning in life and knowing what purpose and goals you want to fulfill. This is an issue for many people, and that is why they will receive coaching from me because they are at a standstill and need some help making progress in their life.

Oftentimes, progress will only be recovered if you think critically and understand their mindset. The process of becoming a critical thinker is easier than one may think. The issue is that people need to understand the power that comes when they can think critically. The first thing a person will notice is that they can identify who they are and who they would like to become, further giving purpose and meaning so that they can take action.

As I Said earlier, at the core of critical thinking lies curiosity. Cultivate a genuine desire to question and seek deeper understanding. Challenge assumptions, ask thought-provoking questions, and explore different perspectives. By approaching information with an open mind, you’ll develop a broader and more nuanced view of the world. This view will not only be what is popular or trending but rather what resonates with the truest version of you.

Critical thinking involves the ability to evaluate information objectively. When faced with new information, don’t simply accept it at face value. Dig deeper, assess its credibility, and consider the source. Look for biases, logical fallacies, or gaps in reasoning. Be wary of confirmation bias, which is the tendency to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs.

This was one of the major issues during the pandemic. Many people allowed the government to think for them, and now people are paying the price. I recall when they initiated the lock-downs and they wanted to flatten the curve and they told us 2 weeks only. I said, two weeks I can deal with that, but when they said three months, my critical thinking started to kick in. There is something wrong with that and if you cannot see that then you need major help in the critical thinking realm.

After they came out with the mandates for the vaccine; my spider sense was going crazy. This was nothing crazy like they are trying to kill me, but rather, why do I need a vaccine for a cold I can recover from? Of course, science was being touted along the way and people should listen, but fast forward today, these same doctors and scientists are saying that men can get pregnant. If you cannot see the issues with how people think and why we need critical thinking then you do not have to read further.

Sharpening your analytical skills is vital for critical thinking. Break down complex problems into smaller components, analyze cause and effect relationships, and identify patterns. Practice data analysis, learn to interpret graphs and statistics, and make evidence-based conclusions. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid jumping to hasty judgments.

Though we want to make the best choice possible, there will be times when we have to follow instinct. This instinct can be in line with a critical thinking aspect at an innate level rather than a logical and analytical level. Though there can be large margins of error with this, especially with all the great advances of technology and society, one must continue to be wary, not paranoid of what is possible.

Critical thinkers are adept problem solvers. They approach challenges with a systematic and logical mindset. Break down problems into manageable parts, define the underlying issues, and consider multiple possible solutions. They will also explore both the advantages and disadvantages of each options before reaching a conclusion. Begin to embrace creativity to think outside the box and uncover innovative solutions.

Being a critical thinker will also require recognizing the limits of your own knowledge and being open to new ideas. However, those ideas must not conflict with a gut instinct that you have. When they say listen to your gut, it is the truth, but we also must learn not to be so rigid that we cannot listen when new information and technology become present. Though sometimes sources can be discredited, we must remain logical and flexible to some extent. You will have to do some soul-searching to see what is best for you, and if it goes against popular opinion, then that is also fine.

Another way to foster critical thinking is to practice regular self-reflection. When you set aside time to analyze your own thoughts, beliefs, and reasoning processes, you will find that you go beneath the surface in your logic and way of thinking. You will identify any cognitive biases or faulty reasoning patterns you may have developed and create an opportunity for adjustment. Reflecting on past decisions and evaluating their outcomes will help you make better future decisions. This practice will help you identify areas for improvement and refine your thinking over time.

Two areas to also apply some intention when working on how to think critically or your critical thinking skills will be to seek different perspectives and practice effective communication. When you seek out opinions that differ from your own, read books and articles from various viewpoints, and engage in meaningful discussions with people of different backgrounds. This exposure will broaden your understanding, challenge your assumptions, and strengthen your ability to think critically. The communication aspect will help you articulate your thoughts clearly. This will enable you to engage in constructive conversations and further develop your critical thinking abilities instead of arguing or speaking solely on emotions and feelings.

In closing, we have fallen a long way off from our former critical thinking days. Critical thinking is a skill that can be cultivated with deliberate practice and a willingness to challenge one’s own assumptions. By embracing curiosity, analyzing information, developing analytical and problem-solving skills, fostering intellectual humility, practicing reflection, seeking diverse perspectives, and emphasizing effective communication, you can unlock the power of critical thinking. As you embark on this journey, remember that critical thinking is not a destination but an ongoing process. If you need help deepening your awareness and thinking, Sign-Up for coaching today!

Until then,

Michael Rearden

Founder of Reven Concepts