Career coaching

How to think differently and develop your own opinion

By Ellen Lees, writer at Life Coach Directory

Published on February 25th, 2016

Without thinking too much about it, most of us simply repeat the opinions of others that we have read in the news, online and in magazines. Yet, developing your own way of critical thinking can help you progress in your career and personal life.

We explore a number of ways to think differently and develop your own opinion.

1. Avoid sources of conventional thought

If you’re looking for answers, don’t turn to Google, social media or the TV straight away.

Try to restrict the amount of conventional opinion you consume. Limiting the amount of news and media you take in doesn’t mean that you have to cut yourself off from the goings-on in the world, it will simply enable you to form your own opinions and thoughts without being heavily influenced by others.

2. Confront and recognise your own biases

Everyone has biases, regardless of their background. Confronting and recognising your own biases is a tough aspect to overcome when it comes to critical thinking.

To improve the way you develop your own opinion, though, you will need to look beyond the biases that act as a carrier of critical thinking.

3. Engage in new experiences

New experiences tend to change the way you think and approach things. They can change your perspective and expand your knowledge.

Experiencing new cultures, trying new food and travelling somewhere different will all be beneficial in your approach to critical thinking, forcing you to adapt to new situations.

It can also introduce you to new people, with new opinions and alternative points of view to you.

4. Question and fact-check sources

Ensure you have your facts straight before you form an opinion. Try to investigate and gather facts before forming an opinion fuelled by feelings and emotions. Start your research, talk to people and question whether the facts you uncover support your opinion.

Remember to always question your sources – especially ones on the Internet. If you suspect that there’s something ‘off’ about the statements made, question them!