Critical thinking has become a trendy topic nowadays. Everyone urges each other to think critically, be rational, and so on. But here’s the thing: it’s impossible to become a person who analyzes everything–especially, when what we are analyzing is a topic we don’t know much about. 

To successfully think critically, It’s not enough to simply familiarize yourself with the principles of critical thinking. This knowledge must be put to practice–and this can take some practice.

In this article, we dive deeper into what critical thinking is and how we can start incorporating it in our daily lives.

What is critical thinking?

It’s the process of thinking in which we question, analyze, interpret, evaluate, and make a judgment about what we read, hear, say, or write. The term “critical” comes from the Greek word kritikos meaning “able to judge or discern”.

The good news is that’s something everyone can achieve; it’s just a matter of developing the right habits, knowledge, and mindset. 

Let’s start with the first step:

Step 1: Build the Mindset For Critical Thinking

Among the common attitudes or personal traits associated with critical thinking, there’s one that is one of the most important, developing the mindset for critical thinking. 

Yes, the first step is to remind yourself that before making a decision, forming an opinion on something, or taking any action, you need to analyze the situation, find additional information, consider other examples, weigh different options, and so on. You can create to-do lists, seek additional information from reliable sources like family, teachers, or community members, and carefully evaluate all options before making decisions. 

Step 2: Build a Strong Knowledge Base

Analyzing the situation to make a good decision is not possible without having a good knowledge base that you are constantly building up. After all, to effectively critique your own beliefs, you need to have a solid foundation of facts and be deeply immersed in the subject.

Start by reading widely and diversifying your sources of information. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to critically assess the reliability of new information.

Step 3: Practice Intellectual Humility

One of the key traits of a critical thinker is intellectual humility—the recognition that you don’t know everything and that your beliefs may be wrong. This attitude is crucial for growth because it opens you up to new perspectives and ideas. Challenge yourself to question your own opinions and be open to the possibility that you might need to change your mind based on new evidence.

Flexibility of thinking, acceptance of other opinions that are different, the ability to recognize one's own mistakes - you have the key to critical thinking.

Step 4: Self-reflection

Critical thinking isn’t just about analyzing external information; it’s also about reflecting on your thought processes. Before making a decision or forming an opinion, take a moment to analyze the situation. Consider different perspectives, weigh the evidence, and think about potential biases that might be influencing your judgment. This habit of self-reflection is essential for developing a more critical mindset.

In conclusion, developing critical thinking skills takes time and effort, but it’s a rewarding journey that can lead to better decision-making and a deeper understanding of the world around you. Remember that critical thinking isn’t just for scholars or intellectuals; it’s a valuable skill that everyone can cultivate.

You don’t need to wait for a complex problem to practice critical thinking. Start just right now with everyday decisions—calculating the shortest route to work or school, evaluating a deal, or deciding what to eat for dinner. By applying the principles of critical thinking to these small, daily choices, you’ll develop the habit of thinking critically more naturally and effectively.