CHANGE YOUR THINKING

 

good thinkers are successful.

I’ve studied successful people for forty years, and though the diversity you find among them is astounding,

I’ve found that they are all alike in one way: how they think! That is the one thing that separates successful

people from unsuccessful ones. And here’s the good news. How successful people think can be learned. If you

change your thinking, you can change your life!

WHY YOU SHOULD CHANGE YOUR THINKING

It’s hard to overstate the value of changing your thinking. Good thinking can do many things for you:

generate revenue, solve problems, and create opportunities. It can take you to a whole new level—personally

and professionally. It really can change your life.

Consider some things you need to know about changing your thinking:

1. Changed Thinking Is Not Automatic

Sadly, a change in thinking doesn’t happen on its own. Good ideas rarely go out and find someone. If you

want to find a good idea, you must search for it. If you want to become a better thinker, you need to work at it

—and once you begin to become a better thinker, the good ideas keep coming. In fact, the amount of good

thinking you can do at any time depends primarily on the amount of good thinking you are already doing.

2. Changed Thinking Is Difficult

When you hear someone say, “Now this is just off the top of my head,” expect dandruff. The only people who

believe thinking is easy are those who don’t habitually engage in it. Nobel Prize-winning physicist Albert

Einstein, one of the best thinkers who ever lived, asserted, “Thinking is hard work; that’s why so few do it.”

Because thinking is so difficult, you want to use anything you can to help you improve the process.

3. Changed Thinking Is Worth the Investment

Author Napoleon Hill observed, “More gold has been mined from the thoughts of man than has ever been

taken from the earth.” When you take the time to learn how to change your thinking and become a better thinker,

you are investing in yourself. Gold mines tap out. Stock markets crash. Real estate investments can go sour.

But a human mind with the ability to think well is like a diamond mine that never runs out. It’s priceless

HOW TO BECOME A BETTER THINKER

Becoming a better thinker involves developing cognitive skills, cultivating critical habits, and adopting a mindset that promotes effective and creative thinking. Here are some strategies to help you become a better thinker:

1.     Cultivate Curiosity:

·       Stay curious about the world around you.

·       Ask questions and seek to understand the underlying reasons behind things.

2.     Read Widely:

·       Read a variety of materials, including books, articles, and essays, to expose yourself to diverse perspectives and ideas.

·       Challenge yourself with content that may be outside your comfort zone.

3.     Practice Critical Thinking:

·       Analyze information critically by evaluating evidence, considering alternative viewpoints, and questioning assumptions.

·       Develop your ability to recognize logical fallacies.

4.     Solve Problems Actively:

·       Approach problems as opportunities for learning.

·       Break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts.

5.     Embrace Continuous Learning:

·       Stay open to new information and be willing to update your beliefs based on evidence.

·       Seek out learning opportunities, whether through formal education or self-directed study.

6.     Reflect Regularly:

·       Set aside time for reflection to think about your experiences, decisions, and goals.

·       Consider what worked well and what could be improved.

7.     Engage in Creative Activities:

·       Participate in activities that stimulate your creativity, such as writing, drawing, or problem-solving exercises.

·       Approach challenges with a mindset that encourages innovative thinking.

8.     Develop Decision-Making Skills:

·       Make decisions thoughtfully by weighing pros and cons.

·       Learn from both successful and unsuccessful decisions.

9.     Practice Mindfulness:

·       Mindfulness can enhance your ability to focus, reduce distractions, and improve overall cognitive function.

·       Practice mindfulness meditation to train your mind to stay present and attentive.

10.  Seek Feedback:

·       Request feedback from others on your ideas and thought processes.

·       Use constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth.

11.  Engage in Socratic Questioning:

·       Use the Socratic method to ask yourself and others probing questions that encourage deeper thinking and exploration of ideas.

12.  Build Mental Models:

·       Develop mental models to understand how different concepts and systems work.

·       Use analogies to relate new information to existing knowledge.

13.  Collaborate with Others:

·       Engage in discussions with people who have different perspectives and experiences.

·       Collaborate on projects that require creative problem-solving.

14.  Stay Organized:

·       Organize your thoughts by creating outlines, mind maps, or using other tools that help structure information.

15.  Set Goals:

·       Define clear goals for your thinking and problem-solving processes.

·       Break down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps.

Remember that becoming a better thinker is a continuous process. It involves intentional practice, a commitment to learning, and a willingness to adapt your thinking based on new information and experiences.