Think For Yourself: Warrior Mind Podcast #290

Over four years and going strong!  With over 300,000 downloads from over 9 countries and 5 continents’…. this is the Warrior Mind Podcast.

In this episode of the Warrior Mind Podcast I am going to talk about how to think for yourself. To think for yourself, simply means that whatever opinions you have are those which you have found through investigation and analyzed.

“To find yourself, think for yourself” – Socrates

With the internet, fewer people are trusting their own instincts when making decisions. Instead, they turn to the internet to help them to make decisions. Unless you are aware you are doing it, you likely have no idea that you are being influenced by outside sources in every decision you make. So, are you able to think for yourself?

As you ponder this, don’t think that every outside influence is bad or causing you to have the wrong view on things. The views of others are always important to consider. But you need to think for yourself and follow your inner soul, otherwise you become someone else’s puppet.

That doesn’t mean you should break free from society and culture though. Going to an extreme doesn’t generally solve anything. In fact, to a degree we must all conform to the ways of society. We don’t have a choice. Those who choose to rebel face consequences of some kind. But that doesn’t mean you need to be like everyone else around you.

To be an individual and think for yourself, you don’t need to be contrary and argumentative. A defiant person doesn’t make an impact. To think for yourself, simply means that whatever opinions you have are those which you have found through investigation and analyzed. This means you chose them without any kind of compromise or for the sole purpose of fitting into society.

Take for example the person who keeps up with the latest trends. These are the people who wear the hottest styles of clothing, follow popular music and let the media tell them what to do. They are victims of marketing companies who create hype ads that drive a person to fall further and further into debt. Before they know it, they are so far in the red, they struggle to get their life back under control. While it may appear they are living the American Dream, they are really letting others tell them things like a $5 cup of coffee is vastly different from the one that costs a few cents to make at home.

Enjoy this podcast on how to think for yourself

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (14.0MB)

Subscribe: RSS

When this happens, we are faced with Groupthink. This is a term which Irving Janis coined. It is a psychological phenomenon which takes place in a group of people. There is a need to avoid conflict, so they reach an agreement. All without there being any kind of critical evaluation taking place. The problem with this approach, is that the best solutions are often overlooked. In most cases, creativity is quashed and independent thinking is shunned. Wanting to be a part of the ‘it’ crowd doesn’t have benefits.

So how do you being to think for yourself?

They follow these simple tips!

Begin by developing a strong sense of who you are. When you know who you are and what you stand for, you can think for yourself. Never let others, define those. Regardless if they are all over the television screen or in print ads. When you do what is right for you, you remain a true version of who you are.

Become well informed about things. The more information you have on a topic, the easier it will become to make an informed opinion. Don’t be afraid to experience an evolution in your thoughts and opinions as you have new evidence to support new thoughts either. You need to look at the big picture and gain some new understanding on things at all times. Doing this increases your chances of thinking for yourself.

When you have a view, don’t give in to pressure, guilt or fear. Stand up for your beliefs and if someone is working hard to sway your thoughts, let it roll off your back. If you go with the crowd, and just give into the crowd mentality, you begin to lose a piece of you. Just don’t completely shut off your mind on the views of others. Accept the challenge on things and know that healthy discussion is part of your growth. If the evidence supports a change, embrace it. But never do it for the sake of avoiding conflict or other concerns. There is a fine balance between the two.

So now that you have some understanding of this, the next step is to explore the benefits associated with how to think for yourself. These are the perks you’ll find when you become a person who is able to go beyond what the popular opinion.

• You have the chance to build your self-confidence and gain some trust in your own abilities.
• You gain a deeper sense of accomplishment in your life.
• You are able to boost the power of your brain and expand your mind.
• You are viewed as original and are better able to command the attention of others.
• You are more receptive of ways to improve yourself and to process the viewpoints of others without being influenced.
• You remain aware of the attempts of media to try and sway your opinions.
• You become far more interesting in the eyes of others and your views are respected.

You have the ability to influence and inspire those around you.

On the other hand, what happens when you can’t think for yourself?

• You become a puppet for the media.
• You believe all negative stereotypes and misinformation presented to you.
• Your form a belief things are fine as long as they are done the same way they’ve always been done.
• You hold old wives’ tales, fallacies and superstitions as truth.
• You rush into things and don’t think them through.

As you can see, learning how to think for yourself isn’t simple. It does take a conscious effort on your part. But once you begin to think for yourself, you will find it is worth it in the end.

Request an Introductory Consultation right now if you wish to learn additional information on expectations, confidence and acceptance.

Do you have the courage to start on the path of self-mastery?  Contact Me about The Warriors Quest.  It will transform your life forever!

Subscribe to the Warrior Mind Podcast HERE.