It’s becoming evident that a critical thinking tool is definitively something to develop and focus on to survive this complex, confusing era...
Studies and articles lately suggest that we seem to be living in the midst of a ‘crisis of truth’. Whether it is an exaggeration or not, it’s becoming evident that critical thinking is definitively a skill to develop and focus on if we want to successfully survive to such a complex and confusing era.
Often, we leverage our emotions to drive our attitudes, but, as also the World Economic Forum highlights, there’s a more efficient and effective way to deal with the enormous amount of information we are everyday asked to process and all the decision we are faced with.
Albert Einstein once said that ‘’the mind that opens to a new idea never returns to the previous dimension’’. How does it happen though? How do we make space for new ideas?
Recently, the faculty of psychology at the University of Cambridge published a new study and demonstrated that critical thinking can be trained so that the person develops the ability to solve problems in a more creative, autonomous and effective way and becomes less susceptible to manipulation by advertising and politics.
What the research suggests is that nobody is born knowing already how to apply critical thinking in a certain context but that, while there may be a certain predisposition, we can all develop and increase critical thinking.
This ability is learned and assimilated, it is transformed according to our personality and our needs and experiences but what it is essential to understand is that this is a continuous process and we can only succeed if remain focused on the objective and continue to challenge ourselves.
So, what is that we have to concentrate on if we want to build our critical thinking muscles?
1. Don’t stop at the first option
If they told us now that the end of the world will come tomorrow, what would we do? Probably 60% of the population would immediately look for a bunker to take refuge. 20% would do everything possible to find an alternative or a strategy to avoid the coming of this alleged apocalypse. The remaining 20% will be made up of sceptics, who, before taking any action, try to find answers and ask themselves and others: “Will the end of the world really come? Who says that?”.
Healthy, intelligent and skilled scepticism is undoubtedly the first useful filter for news, opinions, statements or comments that we listen to every day.
2. Be proactive, not reactive
Many of us react to events.
Those who believe that critical thinking can be trained, recommend that instead of undergoing the changes that occur around us without intervening, we should be, ourselves, the promoters of change.
According to the researchers, we should look for challenges to learn from them using new resources, set ourselves new goals and work every day to reach them.
Critical thinking is a psychological force, it will help us act more skilfully and thoughtfully. Instead of taking it lightly or overdoing it in the event of a difficult or complex situation, critical thinking will help develop a new, more constructive, focused, suitable and even ingenious attitude.
3. Consider perspectives
In our society, dichotomous or extreme thinking is in fashion. One thing is either right or wrong. People agree with our values or they are no longer our friends.
Critical thinking is a way to overcome the pressure that such dichotomies create around us as it’s based instead on the ability to take into account – and enjoy – different points of view. Opening ourselves with curiosity to the wide range of options, features, aspects and details that revolve around our scenario, will enrich us deeply.
4. More sense of humour please!
Sense of humour goes hand in hand with intelligence. The ability to laugh at oneself, know how to find a bright spot in the fog, play with reality to relativize it and transform it with grace and originality they are all precious gifts.
Similarly, critical thinking is a tool that allows to adopt a clearer – and at times lighter – perspective of reality. We will not be trapped in frustration, anger or those misunderstandings with no way out but we will instead be able to see what’s at the end of the tunnel and focus on what is needed to embrace the journey.
5. Awareness of cognitive distortions
Being victims of cognitive distortions such as negativism, generalization, the use of labels, the polarized approach or selective attention that makes us see only what we want, completely limits our critical thinking. We must become aware of these irrational resources that are so common in our mind.
Those mentioned above are of course not meant to be an exhaustive list of exercises to train our mind to think critically but rather some easy steps to start moving toward such approach.
In just a couple of words, critical thinking is the effort we can consciously make to relativize and broaden our horizons. And what we can’t forget, if we’re willing to embrace such change, is to be critical of ourselves before even thinking of criticizing others.
Do you have another critical thinking tool you would like to share with us? Contact us or send us an email at [email protected]
Alessandra is a PhD in Sociology. For many years she has worked for large multinationals covering senior operations and people management positions. She’s a visual coaching practitioner and is studying to become a certified professional coach.
Alessandra is passionate about Diversity and Inclusion which she also lectures on. She’s married and mum of three. In Malta since 2017, Alessandra also volunteers for MYSC, Malta Young Sailors Club.
Click here to check out Alessandra’s full bio as well as a list of all her Wham published articles
