We Can Improve Our Thinking Skills!

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Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American writer, shared "Thoughts are things." Considering what we know about the human brain, his statement is true.

People who study the brain can’t always agree on the number of neurons in the human brain. Most believe that there are at least fifty billion to one hundred billion neurons. Neurons are cells that make connections with other neurons.

It is not the number of neurons in your brain but the number of connections that make you a more skilled thinker. Neuron connections are a simple way of looking at human thought. In reality, the process is highly complex, but neuroscientists have proven neuron connections lead to thinking, knowledge, and skills.

I like to be around people who think at higher levels. They are fascinating because they always look for answers and explore ideas with curiosity. Their critical thinking skills can lead to action. People who think at higher levels are very proactive - they choose to build neuron connections.

Can we all improve our thinking skills? I believe so. We need to work our brains just as much as we need to stay physically fit. If thoughts are things (neuron connections), increasing the connections will make us better thinkers.

Ask any employer about critical thinkers. Do they want to employ critical thinkers or non-critical thinkers? Employers will most likely tell you they want self-starters, problem-solvers, planners, and critical thinkers.

I have observed a few characteristics of critical thinkers:

• They are not looking for the easy way. Instead, they are willing to do whatever it takes to learn and get great results - the best way.

• They are excited about challenges and new experiences.

• They are willing to put in the time to study and learn.

• They do not engage in excess social media, entertainment, or time wasters.

• They think about the future and have a vision.

• They plan and take action to get desired results.

• They learn from mistakes by thinking about how to improve.

• They are fascinated by how things work.

• They are never satisfied. They always want to do things better.

You probably have observed many other attributes of critical thinkers and problem solvers. We can all learn from them.

I recommend that you surround yourself with people who are continually thinking. Thoughts are things, and we have the power to cultivate and increase their production. It will be worth the effort.

Martial arts perspective:

Martial arts training is more than physical. It keeps you thinking and creates neuron pathways and connections.

Delaware Hapkido Martial Arts Academy students work extremely hard at learning challenging skills. We enjoy being around others who are driven and committed to improving, and we support each other through the process.

Learning martial arts skills is not always easy. Proficiency requires time and quality training. You can use the learning process outside of the training facility.

Questions to discuss with young people:

The great American writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, wrote "Thoughts are things." Why do you believe this statement is true or false?

Why do most employers look for employees who can think critically and solve problems?

Think of someone you consider a problem solver. What do they do differently than other people?

Is there a difference between someone who thinks positively as opposed to someone who thinks negatively? Who has the advantage and why?

What are some ways to improve your ability to think at higher levels?

What information would you use to support the view that math, reading, and writing can help you improve your thinking skills?