Thinking Skills | Journey of a Strategic Thinker | Day 34

 

“A belief is not just an idea that you possess; it is an idea that possesses you.”

 

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Thinking Skills | Journey of a Strategic Thinker | Day 34

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Last one month in this journey has been exciting. You can find more about that here:

Thinking Skills | Journey of a Strategic Thinker

Today we explore another paradigm of thinking models. The more easy to understand these models are, higher the chance that you'll remember them and use them. In my pursuit to look for easy to understand thinking models, I landed upon this book - "How Successful People Think". 

• Importance of Realistic Thinking
  • bridges the gap between wishful thinking and reality
  • helps in problem-solving, learning from mistakes

I. Benefits of Realistic Thinking:

A. Minimizing Downside Risk:
- Realistic thinking helps determine the consequences of actions.
- Planning for worst-case scenarios minimizes downside risk.

B. Providing a Target and Game Plan:
- Realistic thinking leads to defining targets and developing game plans.
- It simplifies practices and procedures, resulting in better efficiency.

C. Acting as a Catalyst for Change:
- Realistic thinking dispels a wrong attitude of relying solely on hope for success.
- Staring reality in the face makes people recognize the need for change.

D. Providing Security:
- Thoughtfully considering potential issues and developing contingency plans instills confidence and security.
- Minimizing the difference between expectations and reality reduces disappointment.

E. Enhancing Credibility:
- Realistic thinking helps leaders gain buy-in from others and build credibility.
- Thinking realistically and planning accordingly positions organizations for success.

F. Providing a Foundation to Build On:
- Realistic thinking takes away the "wish" factor, making ideas usable.
- It establishes a solid foundation for ideas and plans.

G. Assisting Those in Trouble:
- Realistic thinking serves as a fallback during challenging times.
- It brings stability and certainty in the midst of uncertainty.

H. Bringing Dreams to Fruition:
- Taking a realistic look at dreams and necessary steps paves the way for achieving them.
- Realistic thinking helps in turning dreams into reality.

II. Recognizing the Importance of Realistic Thinking:

• Developing an appreciation for truth and being comfortable with it is crucial.
• Conducting thorough research, gathering facts, and learning from others' experiences are essential.
• Evaluating the pros and cons of an issue provides a strong dose of reality.
• Imagining the worst-case scenario helps prepare for any situation.
• Aligning resources with objectives bridges the gap between desired outcomes and current realities.

• Realistic Thinker
  • #1 Accept the Truth
    • examine and embrace the truth
    • face reality
    • deal with it. don't run
  • #2 Search for facts
    • key factors
    • how much role does each play?
  • #3 Compare
    • advantages vs disadvantages
    • think about problem from multiple perspectives
    • evaluate true cost of each
  • #4 Face worst case scenarios
    • be prepared
    • Plan - put steps in place
    • what could happen to make it worse?

Keep reading. Keep thinking.

Set Big Hairy Audacious Goals.

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