I teach Psychology at a local college. One of the topics we explore is the skill of
“Critical Thinking”. At first, students think this means “being critical” or
“being negative”. That’s not it. We have enough “negative thinking” in our
world. It’s more about thinking deeply…
being open to new ideas.. to question the source and intent of information.
To stop and think.
Critical thinking includes avoiding over-emotional reactions and judgments,
being aware of our possible biases, considering other interpretations of the
things we experience, and avoiding over-generalizing thoughts like “all” or “never”
or “none”. The concepts can be
incorporated into many things in life, besides evaluating psychological
studies. They are valid in politics, religious discussions, and in
relationships.
In this frenetic, constantly changing world of writing and
publishing, I’m even finding these “Critical Thinking” points to be a great
help. Here are a few…
1)
Be willing to wonder.. to ask questions. Years ago, somebody dared to ask “why don’t
we take our stories and provide them in a form that can be read online? People scoffed. But soon, the e-reader came into play. Genres
evolve. We can think creatively, open to new ideas.
2)
Define the terms we use. Clarify, because many things vary for many
people. What is a “successful”
writer? Some have dream of becoming a
best seller and can be satisfied with nothing less. Some have the drive to
“tell a story”, and don’t care much how wide and far they sell. Some of us go through phases, changing our
needs and intent. Why is it important to
clarify this? There’s a LOT of advice
floating around. Some might help, some might now, depending on how we define “success”. Or “sexy”.
Or “busy”.
3)
Examine the source of information. Who said that? Where did that information ,
statistic, belief about the market, advice, etc. come from? Is it still true? What’s hot and what’s not
changes constantly. I keep hearing mantras
circulating (and being believed) that I know are pretty much untrue. Or out of
date. Don’t be afraid to check out those
discouraging tidbits or “rules”. False
beliefs can hold us back.
4)
Avoid
emotional reasoning. A rejection hurts,
but if we give ourselves time to accept and reflect, we don’t need to over
react, quit the business, or stalk the editor.
If we acknowledge our emotions, and work through them, we don’t have to
make harmful decisions or take actions that we might regret later.
5)
And never say never. Or at least, taking my own advice, TRY not to
say never. “I’ll never be a success.” “This book will never sell.” “I’ll never write a novella.” Being open to new possibilities, you just
might surprise yourself.
The critical thinking points often
help me to stay sane in a challenging world.
Do any of them help your focus your thinking in any area of your
life? I’d love to hear!
Christine Bush is the
award winning author of many books and novellas of sweet romance and light
mystery. She also writes Middle Grade Fiction. When she isn’t writing, she can
be found working with clients as a Marriage and Family Therapist in private
practice, or teaching Psychology at a local college. She lives with her family and two crazy cats
in northeastern Pennsylvania, and loves to hear from readers and aspiring writers.
One of her Christmas novellas, “Christmas Daisy” can be
found at:
And don’t forget to preorder our exciting NEW “Sweet
Christmas Kisses 3” anthology, a giant bundle of 17 sweet Christmas novellas by
your favorite sweet authors! Preorder now ($.99) and be ready for our September
27 release day! Celebrate the holiday
with heartwarming love!
https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Christmas-Kisses-Wholesome-Romances-ebook/dp/B01JV3L154/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1473375552&sr=1-1&keywords=sweet+christmas+kisses+3
Wise words. :)
ReplyDeleteLove this, Christine! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCritical thinking is a must in our busy world. I especially like your point about avoiding emotional reasoning.:)
ReplyDelete