It is important for you to apply critical thinking on a daily basis, in order to successfully turn it into a habit. In this chapter, we look at the various ways in which you can make the most of your everyday problem solving and try and practice critical thinking on a daily basis.
Make the best use of time
Make the best use of the time that you have on your hands. Most people do not realize how much they are wasting their time. They tend to watch television, listen to music or play games. Instead of doing all that, just by sitting down for an hour and looking back at the day that has passed, can help in the process of developing critical thinking. Doing this on a daily basis will help you identify your strengths and your weaknesses.
Tackle one thing at a timeWhen you analyze your daily activities and identify your strengths and weaknesses, you must try and tackle one problem at a time. Start by listing out all your weaknesses and tackling them one at a time. Once you find that you are able to conquer your weaknesses, work on your strengths. Your strengths should be in terms of your capacity in performing critical thinking and being able to take rational decisions. You must try and build arguments for the various situations and problems in your life.
Step by step approach
You were made aware of the various aspects of critical thinking in chapter 1 and were also exposed to the mechanism that the brain employs while making rational decisions. Thus, in order to establish the habit of critical thinking, you must practice each step. Try and concentrate on the observational aspect for a week and then move on to the process of building arguments and so on and so forth. Make sure that you practice on everyday problems and mundane situations.
Record your progress
Maintain a book and record your progress. One of the best ways to keep yourself motivated is to maintain a book. Record your progress by analyzing a situation and how you tackle a problem. Write down a step by step guide for easy reference and you will start to see an apparent difference as time passes. Write down a lesson at the end of each page so as to understand the right and the wrong approaches that you have learned.
Modify your habits
You must modify your daily habits in order to incorporate critical thinking. Consciously make time for the habit and try to spend some time on a daily basis trying to improve your thinking capacity. Understand your forte and try to indulge in diverse activities.
Tackle your autopilot mode
You must learn to tackle your auto pilot mode and try to stop taking unconscious decisions. Before you arrive at a solution and implement it, spend some time to evaluate whether you are subconsciously taking the decision. If you are, then analyze the situation again and apply critical thinking. You have to try and have a control over your mind to the highest possible level in order to think critically, every single time.
Change perspective
You must change your perspective every now and then. When faced with a problem that involves another person, try and think of it from their point of view as well. That will allow you to arrive at a decision at a faster pace. For example, if you are fighting over something and have reached deadlock then try to think from the other person’s perspective, in order to find the most feasible and fast solution. That way, you will derive dual benefits. Not only will you save time but you will also be able to increase your critical thinking skills.
Be reasonable/ practical
In all of your critical thinking practice, you have to be reasonable and practical to the farthest extent. Although it is advised for you to make a list of all abstract solutions as well, just to build a counter argument to your feasible solutions, it is recommended that you be as reasonable as possible. If you assume that by thinking in extremes, you will be able to devise quick solutions that will not fail you then you might be thinking wrongly. Although critical thinking does encourage creativity, it does not do it to an extent that allows you to be vague. You have to work within acceptable limits and be able to find contradictions, which will help you deduce the right solution.
Have a partner
When you take up something new, it is advisable that you have a partner to assist you. Not only will you remain motivated but also have the opportunity to enact the various problems and help find feasible solutions. And if you do it with someone that you love or who loves you like a life partner or best friend, then you will help each other develop mental sharpness.
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