How can you improve your thinking skills?
Avoid Multitasking
A study conducted by Stanford researchers revealed that multitasking is not effective in improving your thinking capacity. People who do multiple things at the same time have more difficulty distinguishing relevant information from irrelevant ones, organizing their thoughts, and switching from one task to another.
There is, in fact, a transition cost that only damages your concentration and your ability to be productive in what you are doing: the more you switch from one task to another, the harder it will be for you to concentrate.
In this regard, doing "multiple things at once" is not possible: our brain just keeps switching from one task to another continuously. Doing so extremely quickly gives us the illusion that it is doing both things at the same time; however, the transition cost makes you lose a lot in concentration and thinking capacity.
To improve your thinking capacity, it is therefore important to focus on one task at a time.
Take Time to Reflect
Reflection is a key element of critical thinking. Take the time to reflect on the things you have learned and on the decisions you have made.
Seek to understand what worked well and what could have been improved. By taking the time to reflect, you can enhance your thinking capacity and make more informed decisions.
Our lives are busy, and when we have some free time, we spend it entertaining ourselves, either by watching series or by playing video games, which prevents us from taking the time to seriously reflect on what we are doing.
Write Down Your Thoughts
Writing is an excellent way to improve your thinking capacity. By writing down your thoughts, you are forced to organize and clarify them.
You can also take the time to reflect on your ideas and develop them. Writing allows you to better understand your thoughts and communicate them more effectively.
Be Patient
Critical reflection requires time and patience. Do not rush to make decisions or solve problems.
Take the time to consider all options and weigh the pros and cons. By being patient, you can enhance your thinking capacity and make more informed decisions.
Avoid Distractions
Distractions can hinder your thinking capacity. Avoid unnecessary interruptions, such as Facebook messages or Twitter tweets. Turn off your phone and focus on the task at hand.
By avoiding distractions, you allow yourself not to suffer the transition costs that we just discussed earlier.
Critical thinking capacity is a skill that can be developed with practice and perseverance. By avoiding multitasking, taking the time to reflect, writing down your thoughts, being patient, and avoiding distractions, you can enhance your thinking capacity and make more informed decisions.
