Thinking Critically = Better Decisions

We swim in an ocean of choices. They bob and bubble all around us!

I try to navigate this sea of competing choices by trying to approach each decision as critically as possible. I say ‘trying,’ reminded that according to Yoda “There is no try!” You either ‘do’ or ‘do not.’ Recognizing that right or wrong, good or bad, decisions will still need to be made.

Challenge Your Assumptions

The good news is there is a path leading to better decisions that begin with challenging all the assumptions that may factor into the decision you are about to make.

Certainly, it helps if you can suspend your prejudices. And, before you get too excited, that sounds a lot easier than it is! The ability to change your mind when confronted with new evidence challenging your current beliefs is equally as difficult.

One of the biggest problems we all face when it comes to thinking critically is the genuine need to embrace data over beliefs. We are all entitled to our own beliefs. We aren’t, however, entitled to our own facts. No matter what we believe, water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit! Not a degree more. Not a degree less.

Test New Ideas

We must be willing to continually test new ideas. Perhaps, even, a few old ones, recognizing that our mistakes are every bit as valid data as are our successes. And, those new ideas exist all around us whether we choose to accept or explore them or not.

There is an element of childlike curiosity each of us should bring to better decision making: a willingness to bring a beginner’s mind to everything we do in order to discover what we may have been missed.

Embracing any or all of these elements won’t necessarily guarantee better decisions, but I’d be willing to bet they will bring you a lot closer than you would have gotten without them!