How to Go From a Ponderer to a Quick Thinker
Have you ever noticed how some people tend to think quickly on their feet, while others take some to process and ponder?
Whether it’s due to personality, thought processing, overthinking, etc., some of us simply tend to think through things a little more. (I’m one of the people that needs some process time!)
While there’s nothing immediately problematic about being a ponderer/processor, it can be helpful to think more quickly on your feet during a conversation, when making a decision, or when a fast reaction is necessary.
For those reasons, there is a time and a place for quick thinking – and one for processing. Here is how to become a quicker thinker when you’re a ponderer.
Exercise
Exercise can improve creativity, therefore help thoughts flow more effectively and encouraging a faster decision making process. Exercise can also help distract you from the never-ending thought spiral, too, which many of us fall into. (This is especially helpful if you learn slowest by doing or physically.)
Read
Read more books, more often! Reading more encourages your brain to learn the art of skimming information and learning key takeaways. (This is especially helpful if you learn slowest by reading or visually.)
Practice
Practice speed thinking. Evaluate a situation, google scenarios, or download a quick thinking app. (I’ve really enjoyed Elevate.)
Use these scenarios and make a quick decisions based on a question or prompt. After making your decision, analyze that decision and whether or not you would make the same conclusion based on more in depth thought. Brain storming through situation or even using an app to do small mind games will help practice and transform you into a quick thinker. (This is especially helpful if you learn slowest by thinking logically.)
Practice game
Play the game “Yes, and…” Creating scenarios where every single answer is “Yes, and” creates a story and forces your brain to continue the story quickly, without deep thought. Sometimes we do not have the time to rationalize and your first intuitive thought is usually the best anyways and does not require second guessing.
Speak and network
By speaking in a public environment or networking at an event, you’ll need to think quickly on your feet and be decisive in order to answer questions at a professional pace. (This is especially helpful if you learn slowest verbally or aurally.)
What will you try to encourage better quick thinking?
