How to think effectively?

Question

Today, most people work using their brain. So how to think is a very important problem. Although the faced problems are quite different, there are many general rules are very helpful. For example, we should focus on one thing; We should try to find the simple method. It is useful to visualize something, and so on. Now, where can I find some books or web for tips for thinking? Thanks!

Answer 1

You might enjoy the book Pragmatic Thinking and Learning: Refactoring Your Wetware by Andy Hunt.

The book covers a lot of subjects on improved learning and creativity. It's well-researched. I virtually guarantee that there's a trick or technique in there that you haven't heard of. I had heard of about 10%.

Answer 2

I've recently written about some rules for problem solving on my blog. My 8 year old son and I have figured them out to help him tackle his maths homework, but I've found that they work for other things, too.

These rules are:

• Adopt the right physical posture
• Don't guess
• Look for patterns
• Take regular breaks

Other rules I've yet to cover:

• Make space (eliminate distractions)
• Make sure you've understood the question
• Think out loud (explain it to someone else)
• Break the problem down into easier pieces
• Take a deep breath
• Try something... anything
• Think of a concrete example and then generalise
• Write it down
• Practice
• Turn the problem around / approach it the other way
• Start with the easy bit

Answer 3

Simplest way ... Our brain has to be use too with any thing around the world. so shortest answer would be practice a lot. Think about every thing. Think about problems in any way. Read about others how they solve their problems. If some how it not works for you but as many time your mind will get into practice he will automatically starts building patterns for you.

Answer 4

In my experience, effective thinking really depends on the context. Thinking for a programming logic may be entirely different from thinking about a drawing a piece of art or composing a piece of music or making a new variety of pie etc. In some basic fundamental factors like concentration, surroundings , willingness, all thinking may be same.. but on deeper level, you have to define your own set of rules.. :)

here are some great links that can help you set your answers...

The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking By Edward B. Burger

Effective Thinking - Online De Bono Course In Thinking http://edwdebono.com/course

Some clear concepts on effective thinking http://ictnz.com/Thinking%20Pages/effectivethinker.htm

Answer 5

I've enjoyed reading the book How to be a Brilliant Thinker by Paul Sloane. It discusses several methods of improving your thinking process and decision making. It also explains some methods for strengthening your memory and basic knowledge.

Answer 6

Nice question, first of all we can relax and think in multiple ways for a problem then we can find many ways, from these we should analyse with help of websites and select a solution best for us suitable with that situation.