How to Think Critically to solve daily life problems

While many people believe that your feelings precede, or are independent of your thoughts, the truth is that your feelings are products of your thoughts. When we are aware that we can choose and direct our thinking, we realize that we have the ability to better control the circumstances of our lives, improve our decision-making processes and generally live more productive lives.

Problems become more difficult when there is no obvious solution and strategies that you have tried in the past do not work. Like any other skill, learning to think critically takes time, perseverance and practice. Knowing which steps to take and how to apply them helps us master the process. See 5 steps to thinking critically when you aim at solving a problem.

1. Identify the Problem. The first task is to determine if a problem exists. If you are too vague when defining your problem, it will be difficult to know how to even begin solving it, so you have to be specific in defining your problem. Sometimes when you think this point through, you may come to the conclusion that there really is no problem, just a misunderstanding. If that’s the case, that is okay. If not, and you determine that there is indeed a problem, you need to identify exactly what it is.

2. Analyze the problem, look at it from different angles. Once you have determined the problem, analyze it by looking at it from a variety of perspectives. Can it be solved? Is it real or perceived? Can you solve it alone or do you need help? Sometimes by looking at it from many angles you can come up with a resolution right away.

3. Brainstorm and come up with a several possible solutions. You are more likely to come up with a good solution if you have a lot of solutions to choose from. Try to come up with at least 10 possible solutions to your problem. Put down anything that comes to mind and then go over the list and narrow it down to the best possibilities. Having many options leads to obtaining the best results.

4. Decide which solution fits the situation best. Make sure that your solutions are different from each other. Go over your list of possible solutions. Different situations call for different solutions. Quite often what works in one situation, may not work in a similar one. Take time to determine what will work best for the problem at hand.

5. Take action. This is often the most difficult step because you now have to actually start carrying out the solution you chose. Most people are afraid that they might have picked the wrong solution, or that perhaps there is a better solution if they just think about the problem more. Implement your solution. Instead of approaching problems and challenges as insurmountable obstacles, we can view them as opportunities to hone our critical thinking and problem-solving skills.