Think Like Sherlock: Creatively Solve Problems, Think with Clarity, Make Insightful Observations & Deductions, and Develop Quick & Accurate Instincts (Think Smarter, Not Harder Book 5)

by Peter Hollins

Don’t take anything at face value.

What’s the problem? What are the possible solutions? What are the pros and cons of each?

Do they have their own biases or motives? What are their perspectives, and why might that be? Where information comes from is a key part of thinking critically about it.

Do your own research.

If you have a problem to solve, a decision to make, or a perspective to evaluate, get onto Google and start reading about it.

Seek out assumptions.

Most statements or assertions are based on certain assumptions.

Don’t assume you’re right.

confirmation bias. This is when we only seek out evidence to support our own stances or opinions.

Don't jump to conclusions.

Think about cause and effect.

Deduction is a conclusion that is required by a premise and can be shown to be logically necessary if the premise is true.

Inference is starting with a conclusion and then guessing a premise that would produce that conclusion as a necessary consequence if the premise is true.

The Astronaut Method

How does the astronaut method work?

1. Define the problem.

2. Determine goals and objectives.

3. Generate an array of alternative solutions.

“think outside the box.”

4. Evaluate the possible consequences of each solution.

5. Use this analysis to choose one (or more) course of action.

6. Plan the implementation.

ideas are a dime a dozen, but execution is rare.

7. Implement with full commitment.

8. Adapt as needed based on incoming data.

astronaut method, which has eight steps: define the problem, determine goals and objectives, generate a list of solutions, evaluate possible consequences, evaluate and choose a course of action, plan the implementation, commit fully, and adapt to new information after the fact.