Critical thinking helps you deal with problems, make informed decisions, and avoid being misled in life.
However, not everyone has this skill, and that’s a shame. It’s important to be able to really dissect situations to get to the truth of what’s happening, but maybe that doesn’t come naturally to you. While you can always learn how to get better at it, first you have to figure out if you need to do so. If you do these things, chances are, your critical thinking skills are lacking, and you need to brush up on them.
1. You believe everything you read or hear.
If you rarely question the information you come across, it’s a sign that your critical thinking skills need work. Believing news articles, social media posts, or gossip without verifying the facts can lead you to the wrong conclusions. Taking a moment to fact-check can make a huge difference.
2. You avoid asking “why?”
Critical thinkers are naturally curious and ask questions like “why,” “how,” and “what if?” If you tend to accept things at face value without exploring the reasoning behind them, you might be missing key insights. Asking “why” can help uncover the truth and challenge assumptions.
3. You get defensive when challenged.
If someone questions your ideas and your immediate response is defensiveness or anger, it could be a sign of weak critical thinking. Instead of seeing challenges as attacks, try to see them as opportunities to refine your understanding or see a new perspective.
4. You rely heavily on emotional reasoning.
Emotions are important, but they can cloud judgment when they’re the main basis for decisions. If you often say, “I just feel like it’s true,” without evidence to back it up, you might be letting emotions override critical analysis. Balance feelings with facts to make sound decisions.
5. You struggle to spot biases (especially your own).
We all have biases, but critical thinkers are aware of them. If you can’t recognise when your own biases are influencing your judgment, you may end up with distorted views. Learning to identify and question biases helps you see situations more clearly.
6. You reject information that contradicts your beliefs.
If you immediately dismiss evidence or opinions that go against what you believe, it shows a lack of critical thinking. True critical thinkers stay open to new information, even when it’s uncomfortable. Being open-minded helps refine and strengthen your viewpoints.
7. You frequently jump to conclusions.
Drawing quick conclusions without considering all the facts can lead to misunderstandings. If you tend to make snap judgments based on incomplete information, it’s a sign you need to slow down and think more critically. Taking time to evaluate evidence can prevent hasty mistakes.
8. You rely on clichés and generalisations.
Using phrases like “that’s just how it is” or “everyone knows that” shows a lack of deeper analysis. These generalisations can shut down critical thinking and prevent you from examining issues thoroughly. Instead, challenge these statements by asking for specifics.
9. You prefer simple answers to complex questions.
Complex issues rarely have easy answers, but if you’re drawn to overly simplistic solutions, it might indicate weak critical thinking. Thriving in today’s world often means accepting that some situations are nuanced and require deeper analysis.
10. You struggle to separate fact from opinion.
Mixing up facts and opinions can cloud your judgment. If you frequently treat opinions as if they’re proven facts, it’s a red flag. Critical thinkers can distinguish between what’s objectively true and what’s someone’s perspective, leading to more accurate conclusions.
11. You trust authority figures without question.
While experts and leaders can offer valuable insights, blindly trusting them isn’t critical thinking. If you assume that someone is always right simply because of their status, you might be overlooking important flaws. It’s healthy to question authority and look for evidence.
12. You avoid considering alternative viewpoints.
If you tend to stick rigidly to your perspective without exploring any others, you might be limiting your critical thinking. Considering different viewpoints doesn’t mean you have to agree with them, but it does help you see the full picture and avoid blind spots.
13. You use black-and-white thinking.
Thinking in absolutes — “good or bad,” “right or wrong” — can hinder critical thinking. Life is full of grey areas, and seeing things as either-or oversimplifies complex situations. Embracing nuance helps you make better, more informed decisions.
14. You resist changing your mind.
If you find it difficult to change your mind even when presented with solid evidence, it’s a sign you might lack critical thinking skills. Being willing to adapt your beliefs shows intellectual maturity and strength, not weakness. Flexibility of thought is key to personal growth.
