You know, sometimes we think wisdom is this rare thing that only a few special people have. We picture wise people as having all the right answers and making perfect choices without even trying.
Do you know the truth is that wisdom is a skill that can be learned and improved upon over time rather than something that is natural?
I’m Rico Handjaja. I’m a life coach and a lateral thinker, I have spent a lot of time in order to learn how to think wisely, and I want to be clear with you about what I actually have learned.
1. Cultivate Self-Awareness
Becoming wise starts with knowing yourself really well. In order to do that, you must be aware of your strengths, weaknesses, and worldview.
It is very important to set aside some time each day to reflect on your deeds, thoughts, and emotions in order to become wise.
Why did you act in a specific way or feel a certain way? Self-reflection is an important component of wisdom as it really helps you understand yourself better.
But being aware of your feelings and ideas is only one aspect of self-awareness. You should discover your core values and what matters most to you.
To become wise you should examine yourself carefully and consider the reasons behind your actions. To be honest, if you increase your self-awareness automatically you will start making good decisions.
2. Embrace Humility
Being wise means being humble. I’ve discovered that being humble enables me to consider various viewpoints and thoughts. It is really important to accept responsibility for my errors and to be open to revising my beliefs after learning new information.
No matter how much you already know, keep in mind that you can always learn and develop.
Realizing that everyone has something to teach you is another aspect of humility. Whether it’s a kid’s fresh way of looking at things, an older person’s wisdom, or the thoughts of someone from a different place, every person you meet can make you think differently.
3. Practice Empathy
It is important to consider other people’s feelings if you truly want to make wise decisions. Whenever you begin to realize how your choices might affect other people, you will naturally begin to make wise choices that are genuinely advantageous to those who are close to you.
However, empathy goes beyond simple comprehension. People who are wise typically work to improve the world by helping others who are in need. They aim to ease any suffering and distress that someone can be going through.
4. Seek Knowledge
Wise people keep on learning. In my opinion, reading, asking questions, and trying new stuff are awesome ways to fill up my brain. It doesn’t matter if it’s books, podcasts, or just talking to people who really know their stuff – learning is a road you travel your whole life.
In today’s world, grabbing knowledge is a piece of cake. The internet is right there, loaded with info on anything you can think of. So, why not use this amazing tool to keep on your path to being super wise?
5. Develop Critical Thinking
Smart analysis and fact-based decision-making are the foundation of wise thinking. I’ve gotten better at this by asking questions, checking out the proof, and not jumping to quick conclusions.
It’s important to watch out for mental tricks that can mess up our thinking, like only paying attention to stuff that agrees with what we already believe or thinking someone’s great just because they’re good at one thing.
Being a good critical thinker also means being careful about where you get your info. In this world everything is not reliable or true, so it’s super important to be able to tell what’s real from what’s made up.
6. Practice Patience
Thinking smart often means being patient. When we rush into decisions, they’re more likely to be hasty and not very well thought through.
I take my time, think about the good and bad sides of each option, and think about what might happen in the future. I don’t rush to conclusions. I can make long-lasting decisions with the help of patience.
However, patience isn’t just for making decisions it’s also for solving challenging issues. It’s acceptable to take a step back, take a big breath, and give yourself some time to reflect when you’re faced with a particularly challenging problem. Sometimes, when you tackle a problem with a calm and patient mind, the solution becomes obvious.
7. Embrace Adversity
Life can be a bumpy ride, right?
It throws all sorts of challenges our way. But you know what? How we deal with those tough moments can make us super smart.
Here’s my secret: I see challenges as chances to grow. When life gets tricky, I stay cool, think smart, and focus on finding solutions instead of moping around.
You see, every time something doesn’t go as planned, it’s like a lesson in disguise. It’s like going to school to become a better, wiser version of yourself.
Let’s now discuss resiliency. It’s similar to having a superpower that enables you to get back up after being knocked down by life. Remember this: setbacks aren’t failures.
Nope, they’re more like stepping stones on your path to becoming super wise. So, next time life gives you lemons, make some wisdom lemonade!
8. Foster Gratitude
Gratitude is like a secret weapon for smart thinking. You see, when you take a moment to really appreciate the people and the chances you have in your life, something amazing happens.
First off, being grateful makes you more likely to make good decisions.
Imagine you have a magic force field that keeps all the good stuff close to you – that’s what gratitude does.
And here’s the kicker – it helps you stay positive, even when things get tough. Think of it as your mental sunshine on a rainy day.
Every day, just pause for a second and think about the things that make you thankful. It can be something small, like the feeling of the sun warming your skin or the love and support you get from someone close to you.
So, embrace the power of gratitude, my friend. It’s like a superhero cape for your mind, and it’s ready for action whenever you are!
9. Practice Mindfulness
Being present moment by moment is the core of mindfulness. Just observation; no conclusions to draw. It helps in my ability to maintain composure and concentration, two qualities necessary for making wise decisions.
I resist irrational impulses and consider my options when I’m mindful.
Meditation and regular practice are two ways to develop mindfulness. It is similar to a mental exercise. Understanding your thoughts and feelings better comes from being in the now. Making deliberate decisions is subsequently made easier by this.
Decide to try practicing mindfulness. Similar to a superpower for the mind. Simple to begin, challenging to end. You might just develop into your most smart self!
10. Embrace Uncertainty
Life is inherently uncertain, and wise thinking acknowledges this fact. I’ve come to accept that I can’t control everything, and that’s okay.
Embracing uncertainty means being flexible and adapting to changing circumstances. It also means being comfortable with not having all the answers and being open to the unknown.
Uncertainty can be a source of anxiety for many people, but it can also be a source of wonder and adventure. Embrace the unpredictability of life, and you’ll find that it opens up new opportunities and experiences.
11. Prioritize Values
Wise thinking is guided by your core values. I’ve learned to identify my values and use them as a compass for decision-making.
When faced with a difficult choice, I ask myself which option aligns best with my values. This helps me make choices that are not only wise but also in line with my authentic self.
Values are deeply personal, and they can vary from person to person. Some common values include honesty, integrity, compassion, and justice. Take the time to explore and define your values, as they will play a central role in your journey towards wisdom.
12. Build Resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adversity. I’ve found that building resilience is essential for wise thinking. When you can weather life’s storms and come out stronger on the other side, you gain valuable experience and perspective.
Resilience also helps you maintain a positive attitude and keep moving forward.
Resilience can be nurtured by developing coping strategies, seeking support from friends and family, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Remember that setbacks are part of life, and they can be opportunities for growth.
The Takeaway
One has to constantly try to think wisely. It is all about the self – awareness and having a greater understanding of oneself. Being humble, or remaining grounded and not believing that you are superior to others, is another important aspect of humility.
Empathy, or concern for other people’s feelings, is a quality of wisdom. A lifetime learning commitment involves a constant desire to learn new things, regardless of your age.
To be honest wise thinking is not always about knowing all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions and approaching life with an open heart and a curious mind.