Carl Patterson - Critical Thinking Beginners Guide: Learn How Reasoning by Logic Improves Effective Problem Solving. The Tools to Think Smarter, Level up Intuition to Reach Your Potential and Grow Your Mindfulness

Many of us havent reached our full potential. We can be someone. But oftentimes, we think that we cannot. This is the main reason which hinders our success. That thought is a big lie. We are highly capable and we were designed to have the capability to shape our destiny. However, the superb potential that lies within remains dormant and untapped. It is mostly undeveloped. That is why we need to train and improve our thinking. Humans have the unique gift to be able to learn anything they want. The best way to improve our thinking is to train. It is the same training to improve in sports, dancing or playing musical instruments, only with a different method. It requires patience and hard work. Such improvement will only take place with willingness, commitment, and dedication to learn. On the other hand, we will reap painful consequences if we do not take this seriously.

This development we desire is a process that requires a lot of work. No matter the will, it is impossible to become a critical thinker overnight. It is a challenging, long-term process. It might even take a couple of years just to change our thinking habits. The ideal and vital characteristics of a true critical thinker require an even longer period to attain full development.

How can we train our minds? How can critical thinking be attained? How can we apply critical thinking on a daily basis? How can we fuel our minds and reach our full potential to live the life we desire?

Accept

Yes, we need to accept that problems lie in our thinking. It is a need to say yes to the challenge in improving our thinking. Most people who begin the challenge are unaware of significant problems in our thinking. They are unreflective thinkers. Hence, we need to get out of this stage. Sometimes our ego and pride hinder us from committing to learning; we likewise need to get rid of these to begin a regular practice. So, ask yourself over and over again, do you fully accept that you were once an unreflective thinker? If you consistently answer yes, then you are ready.

Start accepting yourself with the following tips:

Above all, accept yourself without hatred.

Use non-blaming and simple phrases. In your case, say I am an unreflective thinker.

Assess yourself without blaming and self-hate. Blaming only leads to being defensive, which will bring out your ego and pride.

Perform relaxation breathing if you begin feeling defensive and self-hating.

Affirmative statements as you embark towards change will always help.

A good laugh will make acceptance of your weakness, which is unreflective thinking, easier.

Remember that improving critical thinking is a part of your personal growth. You must accept yourself and your weakness to give way to a better you.

Evaluate Your Thinking

Evaluate your weaknesses and strengths in thinking. The following are questions you might ask yourself.

What was on my mind today? Did negative thoughts disturb me today?

Did I figure anything out today?

When did I do my best thinking today?

When did I do my worst?

Have I done something beneficial to my goals today?

If I had a chance to repeat the day, what would I do differently? Why?

If every day was lived in this manner for a year, will something be accomplished at the end of the year?

Now, evaluate yourself. Of course, it is necessary to ponder and reflect upon the questions. You are now a challenged thinker, aware of your problems in thinking. Your pattern of thinking will be noticeable in the soonest time.

Make the Most of Your Time

We all waste some time. Applying time management tactics seems to be hard work for all of us. We do not use the whole of our time in a productive manner. We even skip one activity to prioritize another in some instances. We realize later that none of them was enjoyed. We even get easily frustrated and irritated with small matters or matters we could never control. We do not plan well, and our poor planning yields us regrets and consequences. We end up with problems that could have been heeded, solved, and avoided. Here is an example. If we left earlier to get to our destination, the long hours we suffer in a traffic jam could have been avoided. We even waste time over thinking of our regrets in the past. Or we just blankly stare off into space sometimes.

Time is irreversible. It is gone. We should have spent it well and carefully examined our options. In that way, we would never have wasted any of it. So next time, why not take advantage of the time you normally waste by improving your critical thinking?