Cycle of Critical Thinking

Most people believe they’re great thinkers.

(But studies show only 1 in 10 actually are.

Critical thinking isn’t about being smart.

It’s about using a smarter process.

So what is critical thinking?

It’s how you:

➟ Examine information from all angles
➟ Question what you read and hear
➟ Find the truth (not just any answer)

Why does it matter?

Because poor thinking leads to poor decisions.
And poor decisions lead to poor results.

Use this 5-stage cycle to build stronger thinking:

1. GATHER EVIDENCE
Verify before you trust.
Check dates and sources.
Ask: Where did this come from?

2. CHALLENGE ASSUMPTIONS
Question what seems obvious.
Spot your hidden beliefs.
Ask: What if I’m wrong?

3. EXPLORE PERSPECTIVES
Get out of your bubble.
See different sides.
Ask: Who disagrees with this?

4. GENERATE ALTERNATIVES
Think beyond your default.
Mix ideas together.
Ask: What else could work?

5. MAP IMPLICATIONS
Think ahead.
Trace ripple effects.
Ask: What happens next?

The key? Don’t stop at step 1.
Strong thinkers cycle through all 5.

Sometimes you loop back.
That’s not indecision.
That’s wisdom.

In a world full of hot takes and quick opinions,
this is how you stay clear-headed.

Save it.
Share it.
Use it.

Because the quality of your thinking shapes
the quality of your life.