8 Ways Critical Thinking Can Improve Your Life
There is a free course at https://learn.saylor.org/course/view.php?id=410 that I am taking. The course defines critical thinking as "The ability to think clearly and rationally about what to do or what to believe".
1. Change your world view.
You learn to challenge your assumptions about everything in an effort to see things as they really are. This will help you be open to hearing different points of view and engaging in meaningful dialog with others.
2. Become more confident and self-reliant.
We tend to rely on the opinions of those we trust: family, community leaders and even celebrities. There is a saying in the Accounting industry, "Trust, but verify." Listen to others, but use the skills of logic and reason so that you can confidently separate truth from fiction or half-truths.
3. Improve your communication skills
Knowing the structure of arguments and the pitfalls of logical fallacies will help you become a better writer and speaker.
4. Become a better leader
Do you know someone who just always makes sense? Whether they agree or disagree with you, they seem to be able to "cut through the crap" and make a reasonable and acceptable decision. This person is a critical thinker.
5. Become a better sales person: The art of persuasion
Making sound arguments and avoiding logical fallacies is a great way to get people on your side.
6. Make better life choices
Use critical thinking in every part of your life. Eat healthier food, take care of your body, optimize your schedule, choose better friends, go left instead of right. How many decisions do you make in a day?
7. Win that argument on Twitter!
Ok, maybe use your critical thinking skills to find a sound reason to avoid arguing on Twitter. Just...no...
8. Turn your ideas into actionable experiments
That's why we're here, right?
