Unlike day-dreaming, where we allow our mind to wander from one random thought to another, clear thinking is purposive, directed, focused and controlled.
Indecisive, distracted and confused thinking occurs when the mind is functioning without supervision of the thinking faculty (the intellect).
Clear thinking is achieved when the intellect keeps the mind focused on the present moment, without allowing it to slip into the past or future.
A clear thinker is focused, efficient, organised, orderly and calm.
It was Albert Einstein who said, “We cannot solve our problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” That is because all our problems are created by our mind. It is only our intellect that can make clear decisions and solve problems.
Intellect is different from intelligence. Intelligence is knowledge gathered from outside sources, such as books, lecturers and the internet. The intellect, on the other hand, is like a muscle and is developed by using it.
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.” - Albert Einstein
Clear thinking is vital in today’s world. It needs to be taught, learnt and practiced.
Contrary to popular belief, we are not naturally endowed with the ability to think clearly. Most people believe thinking is “natural” and so easy that nobody need trouble themselves to learn how to do it! This is true with respect to cloudy and chaotic thinking, but it is far from true with respect to clear thinking.
To think clearly we must be prepared to dedicate as much time and effort to learning and practicing the techniques, as we would to learning and practicing how to play golf, tennis or a musical instrument. When we apply ourselves diligently and master the techniques, then we reap the rewards of peace of mind, productivity, happiness and success. … [Learn More...]
