Virtually all my clients report they just want to feel better, which translates to less stress and more calmness in their lives. Establishing a habit of critical thinking about one’s own thoughts is key for the development of clarity of mind and personal equanimity.
We are all quick to judge the logic of others and find the flaws. We use our critical thinking skills, projecting them outward onto someone else’s argument.
Discovering other people’s logical flaws can be beneficial.
I argue, however, that the most beneficial use of our critical thinking skills is to focus that energy inward and work to discover our own logical flaws and biases. Skewed perspectives impede your ability to make assessments that are critical to success and healthy day-to-day functioning.
As with most tasks worthy of our efforts, critically examining our own thoughts and beliefs is not easy. Yet, it’s a powerful tool for personal change.
There is a system of thought available to help minimize your biases (They can never be completely eliminated).
The process starts with the acknowledgement that we are all fallible human beings, then continues with the examination of our beliefs and opinions with integrity and humility. This process requires Integrity so that we operate in good faith rather than carelessly minimizing or dismissing our biases as we uncover them.
Humility is also necessary because our pride will inevitably take a hit. Too much pride will cause us to miss an opportunity for growth; we will stubbornly hold onto an idea merely because we won’t accept that we might be wrong.
Establishing a habit of critical thinking about oneself can help us to realize the complexity of situations and to be more understanding of others. Ultimately, it’s another key toward clarity of mind and personal equanimity.
“The rightful first subject of skepticism isn’t others. It’s ourselves…We all have blind spots and are good at persuading ourselves that we don’t; our inconsistencies are glaring to others, but not to us.” – Ward Farnsworth, The Socratic Method
The very best to you.