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If we want to think straight at all times, we must stay grounded, look at facts, listen to other people’s perspectives, and only then draw practical conclusions.
“THINK STRAIGHT.”
I knew I had to replace the mess with clarity. I wanted to get straight to the point. I pictured this:
On the left: A mush of useless thoughts: Worry, stress, suffering, confusion, not knowing what to do. On the right: ONE straight thought that has a (single) useful purpose. I wanted to start using my mind as a tool.
From Confucius to Socrates to Descartes to William James, they all talk about their method of thinking—a way to view the world.
Most of us know the Socratic method of questioning everything, even yourself. “I know one thing: That I know nothing,” is what Socrates famously told the Oracle of Delphi when Socrates was declared the wisest man on earth. The fact that he thinks that he knows nothing makes him wise. That’s a way of thinking.
French philosopher René Descartes, who lived in the 17th century, took it one step further. He questioned everything...
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he famously said: “Cogito ergo sum.” Popularly translated to, “I think, therefore I am.” Descartes concluded that he must...
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Descartes also reviewed his own thoughts and found many contradictions. His most important idea is that we should question the source of our beliefs, not the belief itself. Because most of our beliefs are based on our or other people’s perception.
Thoughts should serve a useful purpose. If they don’t, they’re useless. That’s straight thinking.
Pragmatism is a method of thinking, not a solution. In fact, all thinking is a method. Your thoughts serve as an instrument. But it’s a conflicting instrument that’s very hard to use. Henry Ford said it best: “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it.” Thinking is not only hard—it’s the single most important thing in life. Remember: The quality of our thoughts determines the quality of our lives. And our decisions are a result of our thoughts.
Connect The Dots
If you want the dots to connect in the future, you have to make sure you form dots in your brain. The only way you form dots is by learning, doing, making mistakes, reflecting, or anything you can do to feed your brain with the input it needs to give you the output you want.
It’s better to be aware of your thoughts and decide what you will ignore, and what you will give importance to.
I started becoming aware of my thoughts instead of always acting on every single thought I had. “You don’t control me,”
Inside Your Control vs Outside Your Control
Only think about things you can control. That automatically eliminates about 99% of your thoughts because there’s very little you control in life.
Only focus on what you control. Things like your: Desires Actions Words Intentions
What’s a useless thought? Anything out of your control and without a useful purpose. Do you ever think about the past? That’s the perfect example of a random thought that lacks a purpose, unless you’re reflecting on a past decision or mistake you made.
Thinking about how you can solve problems.
Understanding knowledge.
Commit to stop thinking about useless things. Start taking control of your mind.
Look At Facts
Does your product solve a problem? Or do you assume it does? Are you able to raise money for your start-up? Or do you assume you will? Will you get a raise? Or do you assume your boss will give it to you? Is the sale a done deal? Or do you assume your client will sign? Do people like your art? Or do you assume they do?
No More Quick Decisions
Instead of following my first thought, I say, “Please give me a day or two to think about it.” That’s all you need.
Be Yourself (Not What You Should Be) “Conquer yourself rather than the world.” ― René Descartes I’d like to ask you a few questions: What are you good at? What are you bad at? How do you learn new things? What are you passionate about? What do you dislike?
Take Time To Reflect
I journal and make sure to read my notes once a week. That’s all I mean when I talk about reflecting. I do it for three reasons: It helps me to uncover my mistakes, so I can avoid them in the future. It helps me to value my progress when I read my past achievements. To get my thoughts in order so I can second guess myself. That helps me to make better decisions. In short, I journal and reflect because it’s useful.
My Money Rules
I just make sure I invest my money instead of spending it.
Simply put, I don’t buy things I don’t need.
I don’t need a new iPhone every year. I also don’t need five thousand-dollar shoes. But that doesn’t mean I own only one pair of shoes. I simply don’t buy everything I like.
Remember: Money is a replaceable resource. When you’re out of it, you can earn it back. You can’t say the same for time. Don’t spend too much time thinking about money.
Don’t Try To Think Your Way Out Of Everything
You’ll find that the moments you’re not thinking are just as important as the times you are actively thinking.
Don’t Ask Why
I learned three things. Always double check. Small things can become big things. And don’t play favors.
Perfectionism is merely an excuse. In reality, we’re scared of what people think of our work.
Think About The Details Even More
Never underestimate or overlook details if you want to do a job right. And if you don’t, it’s better not to do it at all.
I’ve made a few basic rules: Exercise at least 30 minutes a day (every day) Don’t burn yourself out (don’t go all out) Eat healthy (no junk-food) Don’t consume more calories than you burn Keep track of what you eat and how much you exercise
Don’t Live With Regrets
But the most important lesson I’ve learned was that you don’t regret what you did in life, you regret what you didn’t do.
Never Look Back
Think about it, when do you have the time to take a look at all your memories? How many pictures and videos do you have? How many old documents, old diplomas, memorabilia, and other physical things do you have stored that remind you of the past?
