An improved level of thinking is something I’m sure that many people would love to achieve, no matter what their level is at the moment. The number of times people can be seen in situations where they are being asked to think, yes a simple straight-forward task and they suddenly freeze up.
The skill they’ve had since birth has suddenly deserted them and left them in a difficult situation. A typical situation where this happens is during examinations. I’m sure you’ve either experienced this yourself or you know of someone who has drawn a blank during an examination. Why does it happen? More to the point why does it happen when really need a clear thinking strategy. However the purpose of this post is not to identify why it happens but what can you do about it. A previous blog asks the question ‘are you using your thinking skills’, please read here
1. Negative thinking
Address your negative thinking and focusing more on things you can do, rather than the things you THINK you can’t do. These negative thoughts are based on your own poorly thought through analysis of your abilities and current skill level. This is very often supported by others ill timed and badly constructed comments.
If you think you can’t do something perhaps you haven’t previously been shown how to do it; also to say you ‘always get something wrong’, is that completely true. Do you mean you get it wrong every time, if not what happened when you did get it right? Also if you get it wrong this time and you’ve previously told your self you always get this wrong all you’ve done is satisfied your thinking. Change your negative thinking, don’t let it change you! The line in the Gerry Raffetry song, Get it Right Next Time says it all, ’cause if you get it wrong you’ll get it right next time’.
2. Give yourself time-out
Give yourself time on your own every day; time to rest from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of everyday activities. It’s impossible to continue through the day and every other day at breakneck speed and still hoping to retain a clear head capable of producing the positive thoughts. You’re only human after all! Give yourself time out, before you time out!
3. Stop beating yourself up
When things don’t appear to be going well because you are unable to think clearly, the ‘first port of call’ is to get the proverbial boxing gloves out and start beating yourself up. All this does is compound the situation because you begin to believe you are justifiably punishing yourself for being unable to think clearly. This behaviour is unhelpful; the best course of action is to recognise what you are doing and change your thought patterns. Stop ‘beating yourself up’ before you knock yourself out!
4. Learn to deal with a failure
Learning to accept that you are unable to think clearly at any one time is a great step forward. Failure to be able to think clearly isn’t the evil thing you have been led to believe. Failure, to do anything, is the best learning experience you will ever undertake. If you continue to get things right first time, every time your learning will be fairly limited and lack any colour. So learn to deal with a failure; accept it as a friend.
5. Challenge your excuses
As you continue to make excuses for not being able to think clearly; such as ‘I’m no good at this’ you’ll become more and more demoralised by your lack of clear thinking. Face them full on and make a full commitment to stop using them to cover up for you not being able to think clearly. It’s time to challenge your excuses and challenge them back!
6. Accept your results as yours
Whatever results you come up with don’t forget they are yours, be proud of them they were your best effort at the time. At another time, on another day; different circumstances, there’s every chance you would have come up with an alternative answer.
7. It doesn’t matter what others think
Are you concerned about what other people are thinking about you? If you are allowing this to concern you it will affect the clarity of your own thoughts and how productive they are. Worrying about what other people are thinking is unhealthy and unhelpful to your progress; if you fall into this category it’s time to refocus your thought patterns and begin to ignore loose and harmful talk from those around you. It doesn’t matter what others think; all that matters is what you do!
8. Use positive thinking
Thinking more positively about ourselves and our world is a very powerful process and will generate happiness, joy and success into your life. Take on more positive thinking process; a more ‘I can do rather than I can’t. The following quote reflects this principle:
“We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.” Buddha
Positive thinking is very contagious; as you begin to use it you will affect those around you. The more you use this process the more natural it will become. Use positive thinking and become a centre of positive thinking!
9. Take responsibility for yourself
Many people are fearful of thinking of new ideas because they are embarrassed people will laugh at those creations. It’s a good job some of the great inventors of the past didn’t suffer from this condition; where would we be if they hadn’t come forward with their strange thoughts and ideas. What they did is take responsibility for the themselves without fear of the response of others. Make a commitment to take responsibility for yourself. Take full responsibility for your actions, refrain from cowering away, stand proud and tell people what you have done. Be responsible not irresponsible!
10. Feeling uneasy is great
Feeling uneasy about your thinking is great, nothing at all wrong with it. Many of us have encountered it at sometime in our lives and possibly wondering how we can get ourselves out of it. How did you feel? A little uneasy? Probably so, but that’s fine it’s quite natural to feel like that. These uneasy situations are an important part of your development, without them your self development won’t happen. Whilst I wouldn’t recommend purposely going out to look for these situation; I would certainly recommend you don’t shy away from them if they appear.
If you follow these 10 great ways to improve your thinking you’ll see a change in your confidence and how you think about your life. As you develop your thinking skills you’ll begin to wonder why you were concerned in the first place. If you’re working with a life coach talk to them about including it in your goal setting. This is a great strategy to include in your Personal Development Training and record your results in your journal diary. Good luck!
Thank you for reading this post, please let me know what you think and share your experiences. While you’re here please take the time to sign up for the newsletter or alternatively you may prefer to subscribe for regular updates in your favourite reader or by email.
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