Habits of mind are a set of mental resources that characteristically intelligent people use when they encounter problems, dilemmas, and enigmas. These hone their skillfulness and allow them to process information in ways that gain them more information.
They also enable them to develop a sense of inquiry, exactness and flexible thinking from new perspectives. These skills prepare them to thrive in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (V.U.C.A.) 21st century world.
1. Use Your Senses
Your five senses (hearing, touch, sight, taste, and smell) work together to provide your brain with a full picture of your surroundings.
In addition, the right combination of these senses can help you make smarter decisions. For example, a bitter taste might signal that you’re about to consume something that could be harmful.
2. Ask Lots of Questions
Asking lots of questions is a great way to improve communication and build relationships. However, it is important to know how to ask them in the right way.
When asking questions, pay attention to the person’s body language and verbal cues. These can tell you if they are comfortable or uncomfortable with the question.
3. Ask for Help
Getting help from others is an essential skill for many people, but it can be difficult to ask for. That’s because it can be easy to make negative associations about this habit, according to new research.
That’s why it’s important to practice this skill regularly. You’ll want to be clear, realistic and time-bound in your requests.
4. Take Your Time
Taking your time when listening with understanding will save you from making some of the most common mistakes in communication. And it will also show others that you are interested in what they have to say.
Another fun way to demonstrate your listening skills is to let someone fill the gaps in a conversation. This may be a bit daunting for some, but it can be done with confidence.
5. Listen With Understanding
Listening with understanding is a critical skill for establishing and maintaining positive relationships. It can also help you make decisions that benefit both parties.
Listening with understanding involves putting aside any judgmental thoughts you have about what the other person is saying. This can take more time than listening to respond, but it can be beneficial in many situations.
6. Make Sure You’re Accurate
The habit of being accurate is important in many professions, including accounting and financial analysis. Hiring managers may ask you about your accuracy during an interview, especially in these types of jobs.
Answering this question by highlighting your attention to detail and your process for ensuring accuracy will show that you are committed to producing high-quality work. Share the steps you take to ensure accuracy, such as clearly understanding the task at hand, double-checking all your work, using tools and resources, and getting feedback.
7. Remember What You Learned
The brain does a lot of things, and the ability to remember what you’ve learned is no exception. Thankfully, there are a few tricks to the trade that can help make learning fun again. Using these techniques can pay off big time in the form of better grades and more rewarding experiences. We’re talking about the kind of perks that can boost your confidence and set you up for lifelong success.
8. Ask for Help
One of the most important habits you can develop is to ask for help when you need it. This is a critical skill that can save you time, stress and anxiety.
It’s also a way to build a growth mindset, which is a common trait among successful people. By asking for help, you’re putting yourself out there and demonstrating that you are willing to learn.
9. Use What You Already Know
The best part of learning something new is recapturing the knowledge you’ve already accumulated. Using your memory to its full advantage will take your brain whirlwind to the next level of productivity and satisfaction.
Using the right tools and techniques will make you feel like your most confident self in no time at all! The best way to do it is to enlist the help of a professional, a trusted friend or a well curated online community.
10. Take Your Time
When it comes to the things that matter most, you don’t want to hurry. It can be tempting to rush through the things you need to do, but it’s best to take your time and make sure you have all the information you need before you do anything.
Taking your time also promotes safety, since slowing down can help you avoid dangerous situations and prevent you from making a mistake that could endanger others.