24 Seven September 2021

September 2021 Issue
Strategies to Hone
Critical Thinking Skills
Written by Joan Herrmann
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Critical thinking is a disciplined
way of thinking that can be applied to any topic or
problem. It is the ability to clearly and logically consider
information that is presented to us. There is value in
thinking critically in every aspect of our lives. From
making personal decisions, to questioning media reports,
to assessing work projects, applying critical thinking is
an essential skill everyone should be trying to hone.
When we were children, adults told us how to behave
and what we should believe and we blindly followed
their instruction. Then, as we aged, we were taught to
expand our minds and consider concepts and opinions
that may be in conflict with what we previously thought.
This expansion of mind opened the door to infinite
possibilities and challenged us in ways never experienced
before.
Listening to different ideas enabled us to develop the
process of analyzing information in order to form our
own judgment. We learned to discern what works best
for us and no longer were we dependent on what we were
told to do. We could form our own opinion. This critical
thought process taught us how to create the conscious
decisions that affect the quality of our lives.
Today, in a world of social media, around the clock
news programs, and propaganda reporting, cultivating
a critical thought process is more challenging than ever
before. Sometimes it feels like we’ve lost the ability to
think for ourselves or form our own conclusions. I often
wonder if critical thinking is a lost art. With information
overload, we need to think about thinking. Why?
Critical thinking encourages curiosity. Curiosity helps
us remain vigilant and gain knowledge about situations
or our environment.
Critical thinking enhances creativity. Creativity enables
us to come up with different ideas and perspectives, no
matter how wild they may appear. Critical thinking allows
us to analyze these ideas and adjust them accordingly.
Critical thinking reinforces problem solving skills. We
can use knowledge, facts, and data to effectively solve
problems.
Critical thinking develops independent thinking.
The ability to take in various opinions or facts and
then develop our own conclusion offers a freedom from
manipulation.
The good news is that critical thinking is a learned
skill and we can get better at it. Here are three ways to
develop critical thinking:
Question assumptions. Don’t believe everything at
face value. Ask questions. Conduct research. You don’t
always know what you think you know.
Reason through logic. Ask yourself: Is the argument
supported at every point by evidence? Do all the pieces
of evidence build on each other to produce a sound
conclusion?
Diversify thought. Get outside of your personal bubble
and open your mind to new perspectives.
As the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, said, “It is the
mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a
thought without accepting it.” Never stop questioning or
thinking!
About The Author
JOAN HERRMANN
Joan Herrmann is the creator of the Change Your Attitude…
Change Your life brand and host of the radio show and
podcast, Conversations with Joan. She is a motivational
speaker and the publisher of 24 Seven magazine.
To Learn More Visit:
www.JoanHerrmann.com