Critically Thinking on a Deeper Plane

Posted on September 16th, 2009 in Critical Thiking, Self Development, Skills Training, Personal Development, Recent Posts by Laurie

Critical thinking is thinking on a deeper reflective plane. It demands that we dig beyond what we are told. It requires us to stop and observe, ask questions, analyze problems; to search for cause-effect relationships, comparison and the connection of ideas and solutions.  This helps us measure and evaluate results and possible outcomes.Critical thinking is the result of analysis and judgment that helps us work through problems, to make the best decisions.

Recently I was compelled to answer the phone even though the ID showed “unknown.”  Normally I ignore an “unknown” caller since most often it is some solicitor I don’t care to talk to.  Anyway, for whatever reason I answered and found myself listening to a financial groups “plug.”  Coincidentally, this caller was addressing an idea I was pondering and I listened.  I asked questions, wrote down info, ended up talking to three different people and eventually decided this was something I could be interested in.  I tentatively signed up for more info.  If the company performed as stated, I was even ready to recommend them to others.

A week or so later I again answered an “unknown” call and again found myself talking to another financial group.  What, is there a season for these types of calls?

Feeling magnanimous, I listened to their spiel. Huh, well this was a different take on the same issue; why did I care?  Being a critical thinker (wanna be), I thought to compare the causes and effects of both programs, check out the best possible outcome from both before I made any decisions.

Wait a minute, back up, what really happened is I JUMPED at the other company because I felt a better “connection” with this speaker than I did with the first one.

I asked the second company for more info (a 15 page email was on the way before I even hung up the phone).  I decided it was common courtesy to call the first company and let them know I was no longer interested in their program.  I was sent to the “manager” of the department, presumably to explain why I was no longer interested.  Lo and behold we connected and I received further clarity about the Companies program I was originally interested in.  In fact, I received more information in 10 minutes from this guy than in all the previous calls I had with the other reps with a much better outcome.

That’s when it really dawned on me to compare and analyze all the information I now had to make the best possible decision.

The basic steps to critical thinking include:
1. Questions, Asking why,
2. Observing the problem or issue
3. Collecting and surveying all the facts and facets of the situation,
4. Analysis, what I know; determining the cause and effect, compare, contrast and connect ideas
5. Finding the solution(s) available (pros and cons)
6. The results or outcome of the evaluation

Imagine someone tells you that vaccines are dangerous and can cause severe reactions and/or adverse side effects. Do you accept the statement given as the absolute truth never to have another vaccine? Thinking on a deeper plane of thought, you might think of other perspectives, like: where the information on Risks of vaccines originally came from; is there any statistical support for the statement, how about the dangers of not using a vaccine, how does the risk of taking the vaccine compare to the risk of contracting the disease.

Once I paused to reflect on all the information I had gathered using my Critical Thought process, investigating each companies programs from various different angles, I felt better equipped to make the best, well informed decision.

Critical Thinking requires that you reflect on your thought process. It does not come naturally, it takes effort.  The alternative?  You slip into a “lazy” mode of thinking letting the ideas of others become your own, whether they are in your best interests or not!  Your decisions are then based on another’s thoughts.

Developing critical thoughts or thinking skills help you avoid programmed thinking and learn How to think and not What to think.

Would It Be Ok To Recieve Mentoring For Free?

Posted on September 16th, 2009 in Critical Thiking, Self Development, Whats Your Plan?, Skills Training, Recent Posts by Laurie

On my social sites, I notice a multitude of “opportunities” offering help in building a successful income on line through Network Marketing or an MLM Opportunity.  One after the other touts why THEIR course, their system is THE way to generate leads, traffic and earn instant financial rewards.  Videos open up when I click on the links, even when I thought I was clicking on a bio of the advertiser, all sorts of noise seems to be shouting at me, confusing my mind with chatter.  Do this, start here, this is the ONLY system, it’s new, it’s better, its cutting edge; throw out old school (I’m really tired of that term now, aren’t you?).

If Your are taught once, taught right, and supported by a team of mentors with YOUR success upper most in their minds, would that be ok?  Would it be OK if it didn’t cost you one red cent?

Most people will agree that times have changed, there is a constant stream of information as well as opportunities coming at You from all sides, BUT people haven’t changed.  The bottom line is still and will always be PEOPLE.

If You want people to view Your opportunity, You still have to create a relationship with them.  Success isn’t going to depend on how many courses You’ve bought into (how many different “guru” courses do You need pay for to tell You the basics that can be found for free?); Success isn’t how many books you’ve read (continuing education and learning is important but unless You put Your knowledge to action, it isn’t going to matter how many books You’ve read - the results will be the same - ZERO).

Success isn’t dependent on how well educated You are either.  What’s the point, if all You ever do is get educated enough to get ready, to learn more and be a spectator who observers rather than acts? In reaching Your Dreams and Goals Your Ultimate Success or lack of Success comes down to taking action, and using Your critical thought process to discern the best choices necessary to achieve Your dream.

Would You agree that a successful team of professionals offering their expertise as a gift is priceless?

Propel your Desire, Faith and Belief knowing You are perfect just the way You are.    Check out a proven system and Team of Professionals that offer to coach You, mentor You every step of the way and give You all the skills training You need to get into action and achieve Your dreams; get the straight scoop by downloading “Success in 10 Steps,” free.