Expression is artistry, and every creative human being gets inspired or triggered by a moment, incident, human life in action and more. As an author I have always believed in writing based on my own experiences from life’s very own university. Observation has been a childhood obsession, which came of use through the many countries I have worked in and the 110 brands I have been fortunate to have launched in over three decades of multi-domain experience. Mr. Ashish Bhattachrya a close family friend one of the most talented Architectural Designers in India, made me pause and rethink. He follows his multitasking skills with tremendous energy and passion. At 77, being a cancer fighter, he excels in painting, book writing, poetry and much more. So, how does he and others like him pursue their multiple passions with such effectiveness. After a lot of deep thinking I got my answer. They spontaneously pursue critical thinking.
I immediately looked back at other heroes in my life who inspired me with the way they lived their lives, because attitude is an approach but behaviour is supreme, when you execute with passion and precision. I looked back at the article I wrote in this same column titled ‘The critical thinking mindset’ on October 14th 2024. I found that a lot has changed, and therefore set out on a rebooting mission of a critical thinking mindset which will work better today as the Beta generation start making changes in the way the world thinks and lives.
I did plenty of research and this definition by the Monash University Australia actually made me say “Eureka”! “Critical thinking is a kind of thinking in which you question, analyse, interpret, evaluate and make a judgement about what you read, hear, say, or write. The term critical comes from the Greek word kritikos meaning “able to judge or discern”. Good critical thinking is about making reliable judgements based on reliable information
Just my thoughts as an expert in positively disruptive communications and now a self-appointed mindset expert! So, what are the natural attitudes that you need to imbibe in yourself, to start attempting to cultivate a ‘Rebooted Critical Thinking Mindset’
Take a look at the mirror
How are you naturally built? Do you think, question and evaluate the path ahead? Do you run before even you walk? Basically, check out the components of the critical thinking approach you now have. If you are convinced that you can continue with the same approach and not ‘raise the bar’, don’t even try to evolve to the mindset. Because you need to be convinced about any mindset you want to evolve to, remember that a new mindset reformation is about conscious efforts. Nothing in change is ever on autopilot.
Transform into an eternal learner
The basis of possessing a rebooted Critical Thinking Mindset is humility and acceptance of the fact that you do not know everything. There are two critical components of learning and the first key component is that because change is the only constant, your learning and knowledge gets outdated with the passage of time. The second component is that we live in a world of peak technology, which triggers rapid development. So, just keep learning and re-learning.
Develop deep intellectual prowess
If you wish to moult into this new mindset, you will need to add shades of depth, integrity and empathy to your intellect. Curiosity killed the cat, they say but the same curiosity got man to land on mars. Question everything, think beyond the words you see and hear. Ride the current wave of rapid development. Have the courage to be different, but in complete geniuses, because critical thinking otherwise can show many cracks.
Being reflective should be a natural response
Don’t just reflect but understand what you see reflected. Become granular in your reflection. Take care of small things, big things will take care of themselves!
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” Albert Einstein
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