Dec 09
4
10 ways to develop independent thought
With the developing culture in schools of teaching to test, there is clear indication that young people are being ‘failed by the system’, as their independent thinking skills are seriously lacking in their toolbox. Creativity and the ability to think independently are two of the most sought after qualities in new undergraduates. However, in many cases the development of these skills is being side lined in school sixth-forms and colleges due to the workloads brought about by the additional pressures of Government target and the approach to prepare students to pass exams.
What are your experiences of developing your independent thinking? Please share them in the comments.
At school they may not have been given too much consideration, especially if you were in an over-sized class or you had a teacher who was more concerned with helping you achieve a pass rather than benefiting from the learning experience. How often did your teacher ridicule or play down a suggestion from you or a class mate because it sounded illogical or ridiculous.
The number of times independent thinkers have been lost because of limited resources or a system that doesn’t work for the people who are using it, (the young people) doesn’t bear thinking about. There is so much we can learn from our young people, in terms of their illogical and ridiculous sounding ideas. If we would only give them some ‘floor space’ and the time to develop we’ll be more than surprised at what we discover. It’s time to start listen and take note of our young people. If your independent thinking isn’t what you’d like it to be try the following 10 great steps to begin to develop it and have fun.
1. You’re never wrong
You may have chosen an unexpected or different answer but what you decide to do is correct based on the information and resources you have available to you at the time. Develop a confidence and trust in your decision making process and the results you arrive at. If they’re different than others you may be in the minority but it doesn’t mean you’re in the ‘wrong’. Some of the greatest achievements have been accomplished by people who thought ‘out of the box’ and remained loyal to their choices and judgements. Be brave and ignore the embarrassment you may be feeling, the outcome will be beneficial to your personal growth.
2. Re-tune your thinking
There is an ever increasing number of gadgets and resources available in your world today. Many of these make your life much simpler; with a press of a button here and a turn of a knob there, what could be simpler. The downside to all this easy life is there is less need for an ever increasing number of life skills; independent thinking is one of them.
So it’s time ‘pull back’ on using all those easy to access facilities; not completely, otherwise you’ll become a total recluse. Facilities such as TV, computer, games console, media etc. Allow yourself time to develop you independent thinking skills; when you are faced with a problem or challenge rather than jumping into Google or the nearest resource manual, spend some time to evaluate the situation. Write down some of the ideas that reside in your head, no matter how unusual, strange or odd they may seem. As you begin to write, other ideas will come to light and you’ll be surprised at how many different ideas you’re able to come up with.
Independent thinkers look for alternative ideas, even when the obvious is staring them in the face. They love the challenge of thinking of something completely different.
3. Return to your childhood
As a small child you may remember having lots of fun with your learning and thinking of great games to play with your friends, nothing was to much trouble. Idea after idea would flow from your thoughts; if only you could return to those days! Well, it may be a good idea to consider returning to those thinking strategies to help your current independent thinking process. As a child, the embarrassment of thinking a bit different probably didn’t bother you too much; well now is the time to rekindle that attitude.
That is why children are such great learners; they say what they think. The only downside to this approach is you’ll probably have to suffer the wrath of certain people who are happy to sit in their comfort zones and drink the metaphorical cup of coffee all day long. Whatever you do don’t let these people put you off; let them live their lives while you continue with your self development and developing your independent thinking.
4. Relax into your ideas
If you think of something that’s a bit ‘off the cuff’ refrain from changing it for a more traditional or acceptable thought just because you don’t want to look silly. You are trying to change your old way of thinking; it won’t be easy at first but allow yourself to relax and feel comfortable with your new thoughts, don’t forget they are yours. If people ask, “whose idea is this,” proudly tell them them it’s yours, however there’s no real need to brag about them, whether they work out or not. As you begin to feel more relaxed about your independent thinking, you’re confidence will grow and you’ll be more prepared to face problems you once shied away from.
5. Listen and learn
Seek out experienced independent thinkers; they’re the one’s some people refer to as being a little odd, you can use them as a great resource. Observe them and take note of their behaviour, mannerisms and body language. You can learn so much from their success and how they conduct themselves; they’ll be faced with ridicule and praise, in the same company, on a regular basis and know how to respond to it.
You’ll learn much more quickly if you have a good role to follow.
6. Use a different lens
As a traditional thinker of conventional ideas you’ll be used to looking at the world through the same lens and seeing the same old things. Now it’s time to acquire a set of new lens to allow yourself a variety of ways to look at your world and generate some great independent thoughts. Give yourself time to address your belief system; be prepared to have a bit of a laugh and self ridicule.
Independent thinkers live in a multifaceted world with a number of different options to consider; some of them are not very popular but they don’t let this worry them because they believe they are ‘right’.
7. Become fearless
Fear is something we all suffer from at sometime in our lives; just what is it we fear? In this case it’s the fear of failure; the failure of our idea and the embarrassment we’ll suffer. I wonder if this bothered Thomas Edison.
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Thomas Edison
Being brave and becoming fearless is one key element in you personal development that will move your forward and encourage your independent thinking more than many others.
8. Be a rebel
Lean to be a rebel and do something different; something you wouldn’t normally do. If doesn’t have to be anything too radical at first; try something nice and easy, such as using a different coffee bar or restaurant. Be a bit radical with your diet; try something you’ve never eaten before! Join a new social group and meet new people; expand your social circle. Let go of your comfort blanket and the security of your comfort zone; step into your stretch zone and view things a little differently. There’s a whole new world waiting for you!
9. Thinking never hurt anybody
I’ve never heard of anybody being hurt because of thinking; so I’m sure it’s not going to change now. Get into the habit of carrying a small note book round with you, when you go for your coffees or eat out using it to scribble down any ‘light bulb’ moments you have. Don’t forget all ideas are useful ideas; make a note and review it at a later date. Eventually your thinking skills will improve and so will you own ability to create new and wonderful alternative ideas.
10. Learn to think of the impossible
Think of the impossible; better still set aside some time each day to think of 10 impossible things. Commit to doing this exercise everyday and encourage your thinking process to be brave and accept unconventional thoughts. Develop the habit of not settling for the first idea that comes into your head; use it as a stepping stone to the next idea and the next. Instead of following the crowd learn to step out of it and realise their ‘truths’ aren’t necessarily correct. Prove to yourself there are other solutions.
Give some thought to where all this independent thinking can take you; what will you gain or achieve by following these principles. Just think how much you can offer your life and the people who are part of it. You will begin to see more opportunities, options and solutions you would normally have overlooked. Both your social life and work life will see a marked improvement with you gaining a competitive advantage over your peers. You will open yourself up to a world of limitless opportunities. As with other elements of your personal development training keep a record of your progress in your journal diary.
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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