Real talk?
We’re not wired to think critically.
We’re wired to think fast.
To scroll, react, assume, and move on.
But the problem is… when you never stop to think better, you keep running in circles.
Same decisions. Same frustrations. Same blind spots.
Want to break that loop?
Here are 13 tiny prompts I use to challenge my brain when it’s running on autopilot.
They take seconds. But they hit hard. 👇
1. “What am I not seeing?”
The smartest people I know ask this constantly.
Assumptions are sneaky. Blind spots are dangerous.
This question makes you humble—and way more perceptive.
2. “If I were wrong… how would I know?”
Hard pill: If there’s nothing that could change your mind, you’re not thinking. You’re just defending.
3. “What evidence would actually change my mind?”
This one forces you to admit your beliefs need proof—not just vibes.
4. “Am I reacting… or reflecting?”
Reaction is fast.
Reflection is powerful.
If you can pause, you’ve already leveled up.
5. “Who benefits if I believe this?”
A mindset cheat code.
Especially with news, ads, and viral tweets.
Ask it more often.
6. “Am I confusing feelings with facts?”
Oof. This one stings.
But being mad doesn’t make it false.
Feeling good doesn’t mean it’s right.
7. “What would the opposite side argue?”
Don’t strawman it. Actually explore it.
You might disagree less than you think—or you might walk away smarter.
8. “What’s the real question here?”
Most arguments aren’t about what they seem.
Zoom out. Rethink. Refocus.
9. “Am I using words like ‘always,’ ‘never,’ or ‘everyone’?”
Red flag.
These words usually mean you're exaggerating—or oversimplifying.
10. “Is this attacking the idea—or the person?”
If it’s personal, it’s not critical thinking. It’s just ego in disguise.
11. “Would I still believe this if it came from someone I disagreed with?”
Bias check, incoming.
Hard to ask. Important to answer.
12. “Could I explain this to a 12-year-old?”
If not, you probably don’t fully understand it.
Clarity = confidence.
13. “Am I being curious—or just trying to win?”
This one right here?
It turns arguments into growth.
And makes you a better human to talk to.
🧠 Why This Actually Matters
In a world full of noise, hot takes, and "this aged poorly" tweets—critical thinking is your edge.
It helps you:
Make better decisions
Avoid mental traps
Ask better questions
And think for yourself, not just louder
You don’t have to be a genius.
You just have to be someone who pauses before reacting.
That’s rare. And powerful.
🔁 Try this today:
Choose one of these prompts.
Use it the next time you catch yourself:
Reacting emotionally
Ranting online
Doubting someone else (or yourself)
Then watch what happens.
That one question might change how you see everything.
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