Thinking About Your Thinking: Beyond Metacognition

Thinking About My Thinking: Beyond Metacognition

by Dr. Marissa Prather

Thinking about thinking is metacognition, thinking about the efficiency of your own thinking is called wisdom. 

- Pratherism

On a scale of 1-10: 1-being less that 5% of your day, and 10-being more that 40% of your day

How Much Time Do You Spend Examining the Effectiveness of Your Thinking?

I'll admit, at first it seems like an odd question to ask, right?!? Well, it may be, but if you want to continue to grow as an efficient and effective human it is an answer that deserves a moment to ponder. So...set a timer for 2 minutes. During this time simply think about how effectively you use the gray matter between your ears. 

Struggling? Try these prompts: All of these help you identify efficiency blockers in your thinking.

• Am I holding on to something I need to let go of? 
• Am I taking anything for granted?
• Am I using my time wisely?
• Am I letting matters that are out of my control stress me out?
• What am I doing about the things that matter most in my life?
• Am I achieving the goals that I’ve set for myself?

Jumping on the self-reflection train is the quickest way to improve your thinking. Identify, name, categorize, and demote distractions that are causing you to lose time. Time to focus on  being a more productive version of yourself.

Good 'Ole Albert: A role model for using the power of your mind to create, solve, and evolve. 

Albert Einstein was a genius. Ok, there is the elephant in the room. So, let's all agree not to focus on his IQ, rather let us focus on is EQ, effort quotient. The effort in question for the sake of our time together is the attention he gave to THINKING HIS WAY OUT. 

When asked how he would spend his time if he was given an hour to solve a thorny problem, (Einstein) said he’d spend 55 minutes defining the problem and alternatives and 5 minutes solving it. (Bieber, 2013)

Don't Just Think Ponder. 

Is this the opposite of what you would currently do? Instead of hurried decision making and "on the fly" responses, what would happen if you slowed your pace and took time to THINK.

Why did Einstein spend so much time thinking? Well, he took the time to make sure he was actually solving the problem being presented to him. Have you ever invested time and energy solving the wrong problem? No, just me? Well, I freely admit that I have answered questions in a rush and didn't listen fully, think clearly, and as a result I gave a solution to a problem that didn't exist. When we imprison ourselves with the belief that I don't have time to think, we kill our efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation. 

Remember how we were taught to put ourselves out if we were on fire? STOP, DROP, AND ROLL. Well, often times we are on fire and don't even know it. So it is time to:

Ok, so it may be slightly harder than just reading a snazzy graphic. But it sure is a place to start. Here are five easy steps to help you begin your journey of Wisdom Based Thinking.

1. Make time for self-reflection every day. Use the reflection questions provided in this blog.

2. When solving a problem that is not constrained by a looming deadline, take time to figure out the true nature of the question/problem.

3. Einstein It: Spend the majority of your time thinking and then SOLVE effectively.

4. Acknowledge that innovation and progress are hindered by "tizzy-based" thinking. Slow your breathing and take several deep breaths. This momentary pause will help oxygenate your mind, and you prepare for clearer thinking.

5. Reexamine your 'focus on thinking score' to ensure you are increasing the time you are spending in thought and reflection. Chart it, goal set, and improve your wisdom (efficient and effective) thinking.