I think on my way to school. I think in the shower. I think before I go to bed. I am currently thinking as I jot down these realizations that have come to me after having given some thought to my thinking process. I have never given much thought to the way I think before. Thinking is not something that I do with much preparation or even intention. More often than not, it just happens without myself even realizing it, which made it interesting to actually think about thinking and to think while thinking. Here are my realizations:
The way I think varies depending on the topic about which I am thinking. When it comes to personal matters, my thoughts run wild without boundaries. I ask questions, try to connect the dots, backtrack, and re-create certain moments in my head. The process is somewhat like moving through the knowledge funnel, except I sometimes reverse and move up the funnel or jump from one funnel to another. This type of thinking makes me feel very human. It makes me realize that there are certain elements in life that I cannot control but that, at the same time, there are different possibilities or paths that I can choose to take. The pitfall? After millions of thoughts, I am often more confused than before and am left with strong emotions – sometimes, rather negative.
When it comes to projects, assignments or papers, I think differently. Let’s use this blog as an example. I read the assignment description and knew that I had to write a short blog about my thinking process. I knew where I had to go and what the final product would be. Then, I worked backwards to figure out my actual thinking process. After gaining insight into the way I think, I thought about how to structure this blog and how my ideas would be presented. It is more of a bottom-up approach in that, I start with a specific conclusion or the end-destination in mind and make the rest of the pieces fit in order to support it. It definitely gives more structure to my thinking. However, it limits it at the same time, as the goal now, is to draw a specific path that leads to a certain point.
I understand that even when there is a desired and pre-determined outcome, there is room for creativity. However, when it comes to schoolwork or real-life situations where my thoughts are subject to grades or the opinions of others, I feel as though there is one right answer and I have to find it. I see it as a jigsaw puzzle; only the pieces that are made for a particular puzzle will complete the picture and my job is to find those pieces through my thinking process, rather than creating them myself. I think this is because I prefer the security I get from sticking to the norm. It’s scary to expose my thoughts that may not be ‘normal’ to others – there is a reason why my thoughts run wild only when it comes to personal matters.
My thinking process has added value to who I am – it has formed my values and beliefs, and it has brought me to where I am through all the years of education. I think my challenge is to finding the balance Martin talks of and applying it to my learning and career, believing that it will add value regardless of how silly it may seem. Afterall, the thought of a personal computer was silly when it first came out!
Fun Fact: I used the word ‘think’ 24 times in this blog! My conclusion? I think a lot!!…I think.
I similarly adapt my thinking process to the problem or assignment. I often find it hard when returning to school from the holidays because I have to start thinking in an entirely different ways. Often I have to think about grades, peers, parents, basically things I cannot really control but affect what I do. Thinking happens 24/7 for me. Even when I sleep I think, although unconsciously that is. But for me I am trying to focus on the thoughts that are productive, meaningful, constructive for me. It is important for us to reflect on our thinking to see if it is actually in line with who we are.
Great reflection Mina. I agree with you both, I often also think 24/7. Recently I’m taking up meditation more and more to try to reduce the amount of things that flow in and out of my mind. There is some interesting research that shows that great insights often come when our minds are free and not busy processing information, and in these times new synaptic linkages are formed! This must be why taking a walk or sitting at the beach often inspires great ideas. How do you two practice slowing down your mind?