How Rational Thinking is the Key to Success
How Rational Thinking is the Key to Success
1. Every event and fact in the universe is governed by a set of fixed Natural Laws, that are inherent in the system.
2. The universe is an objective absolute and is an integrated system of interlocking facts and events.
3. The primary function of human thought, language, emotion and action is to align itself to the Natural Laws that govern the universe and everything in it.
4. Failure to align to Universal Laws inevitably results in error, failure, confusion, conflict and danger.
5. The cognitive tool that humans have developed to align their thoughts, words and actions to the universe is LOGIC.
6. Logic is the method of reason: It is our primary tool of understanding how to act, in order to achieve survival, progress, success and happiness.
7. To the degree to which we are irrational and illogical is the degree to which we suffer.
8. Logic is the art of non-contradictory identification: It is precise, structured, coherent thought which seeks to discover the facts, and the Natural Laws that govern them, and to apply them to the art of successful, progressive and happy living.
9. This approach assumes the Primacy of Existence philosophy which means, "the facts and Natural Law come first and must be obeyed".
10. The opposing view is Primacy of Emotion, which takes human emotion as the irreducible primary factor and which claims that facts can be changed, and Natural Law may be bent, in order to make them correspond to individual or group feelings.
11. The Primacy of Emotions philosophy ignores objective logic and replaces it with subjective feelings. But the Primacy of Emotions philosophy is wrong, because feelings don't change facts.
12. To survive and prosper, we must become more logical, we must first align ourselves to the 'facts first' Primacy of Existence philosophy.
13. Then we set about identifying and eliminating contradictions which we see in thought, language, emotion, and action.
14. We start with a self-analysis and then we work on others, by calling-out contradictions.
15. We become suspicious of others who spout contradictory statements, or who act in ways that contradict their own professed convictions.
16. Logic is the art of non-contradictory identification, classification, evaluation and action.
17. We strive to properly identify the facts and to act according to a logical and rational evaluation of all the available evidence.
18. We run our lives according to the principles of reason. We treat all people and all problems with clarity, reason and positive intention.
19. We reject all versions of the false idea that the universe must conform itself to the arbitrary whims, prejudices, emotional preferences or feeling of any individual or group.
20. We must conform ourselves to the facts of reality and live according to Universal Natural Laws.
21. We call this logically orientated philosophy "Rational Optimism", and it forms the foundation of Corporate Coach Group's unique approach to training: Be Clear, Be Rational, Be positive.
Definition: Rational thinking
Rational thinking is a careful way of thinking used in business decision-making. It stands on facts, follows clear rules of logic, rejects contradictions, and keeps every choice tied to how the real world works. Because it stays with evidence and reality, it guides people towards clear, effective actions that bring progress and success.
Show CG4D Definition
- Relies on facts and evidence, not feelings
- Checks ideas for contradictions by using clear rules of logic
- Keeps choices in line with the fixed laws of the real world
- Aims every action at clear, useful goals like progress and success
Article Summary
Success follows a clear rule: align your thoughts, words and deeds with objective facts and the natural laws that shape them. Use rational thinking to spot and cut contradictions, let reason guide each choice, and progress shifts from chance to plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What does rational thinking mean?
How does logical reasoning improve success at work?
What are the natural laws mentioned in the article?
Why can emotion-led decisions lead to failure?
How can I spot contradictions in my thinking?
What practical steps build a more logical mind?
What is rational optimism?
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Did You Know: Key Statistics
A 2024 LinkedIn Workplace Learning study reports that 91% of hiring managers name critical thinking and problem solving as the most valued skills for success. PwC’s Global CEO Survey 2024 shows 35% of UK chief executives saw revenue grow by over 10% after putting data-led, logical decision methods in place.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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