The Skill You've Never Been Taught: How to Think and Make Better Decisions

The Skill You've Never Been Taught: How to Think and Make Better Decisions

In today's fast-paced and constantly changing world, the ability to think critically and make informed decisions is more important than ever. However, it seems that this crucial skill is often overlooked and not given the attention it deserves. We are bombarded with information from all directions, constantly multitasking and trying to keep up with the demands of our daily lives. But are we really thinking effectively?

According to a study conducted by Farnam Street, the enhanced cognitive abilities that we expect to have when multitasking are simply not there. In fact, the more we multitask, the worse we become not only at other mental abilities but also at multitasking itself. It turns out that multitasking is not only ineffective, but it actually impairs our ability to think.

So what does it mean to truly think? Thinking is not about learning other people's ideas or memorizing a body of information, although those can be useful at times. True thinking means concentrating on one thing long enough to develop an idea about it. It requires focus, patience, and allowing all parts of our mind to come into play. It's through concentration and sticking to the question at hand that we can arrive at original ideas.

Thomas Mann, a renowned writer, once said that writing is more difficult for writers than it is for other people. This sentiment can be applied to thinking as well. The best way to improve our ability to think is to actually spend time thinking. By giving our brains a chance to make associations, draw connections, and take us by surprise, we can unlock our full thinking potential.

But how can we create the time and space for deep thinking in our busy lives? One way is to prioritize thinking as a valuable activity. Just like we make time for exercise or socializing, we should carve out dedicated time for thinking. This could be a few minutes each day or longer periods of uninterrupted thinking on a regular basis.

Another actionable advice is to eliminate distractions. Our modern world is filled with constant distractions, from social media notifications to endless to-do lists. By consciously removing these distractions and creating a quiet and focused environment, we can enhance our ability to think deeply and critically.

Lastly, it's important to remember that good decision-making is closely linked to good thinking. We cannot expect to make sound decisions without taking the time to think things through. By prioritizing thinking and giving ourselves the space to think, we can improve our decision-making abilities and ultimately lead more fulfilling and successful lives.

In conclusion, the skill of thinking is often overlooked and undervalued in today's fast-paced world. However, it is crucial for our personal and professional development. By prioritizing thinking, eliminating distractions, and dedicating time to deep thinking, we can enhance our cognitive abilities and make better decisions. So let's give ourselves the gift of thinking and unlock our full potential.