The Art of Clear Thinking

Important: GDPR Email Preferences

As you may already know, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will be coming into effect on 25th May 2018. We take your privacy seriously and we are working hard to ensure we comply with the new data protection laws. You can find out more about how we're doing this in our privacy policy on our website.

We want to make sure you continue to receive the latest newsletters, blogs, special offers and more.

As someone who has opted-in to receive our emails in the past, we’d like to give you this opportunity to confirm what you wish to receive:

Just so you know, if you don’t let us know what kinds of emails you want to receive from us, we’ll stop emailing you on the 24th May 2018 - you'll be missing out!

You are of course free to change your mind at any time – just follow the link at the bottom of any of our emails.

The Art of Clear Thinking

One important skill is the art of clear thinking.

For this you need to be able to separate the "arbitrary" from the "possible".

Many people think there are only two kinds of statement:

1. True statements
2. False statements

In fact, there are FOUR classifications of statements:

1. True
2. False
3. Possible and
4. Arbitrary

True.

Defined as "a statement where all the available evidence supports the statement and none contradicts it.

Example: You are reading this article.

False.

Defined as "a statement where all the evidence contradicts the statement. There is none to support it.

Example: You are NOT reading this article.

Possible.

Defined as "a statement where there is some available evidence to support it but not enough to be labelled true"

Example: Mankind's carbon emissions are affecting the world climate.

Arbitrary.

Defined as "a statement where the statement is conceivable, but there is no evidence to suggest it is actually true."

Example: There is a burglar hiding in your house, right now!

Identifying the arbitrary from the possible.

It is vital that you separate the "arbitrary" from the "possible".

DO NOT confuse ARBITRARY statements and think of them as being POSSIBLE.

Do not make the almost universal error of accepting "arbitrary" (ie conceivable but with no evidence to support it) statements, as having the same status as "possible" (ie as having evidence to support it).

If you make this error you will have joined the other 99% of the world's population who are confused by this.

Separate the "arbitrary" from the "possible"

Imagine someone says to you:

"Is it possible there is a burglar lying in wait under your bed right now?"

"Is it possible that your partner is cheating on you when he/she goes out in the evening?"

"Is it possible that you might crash your car on your way home tonight and die?"

If you reply "yes - it is possible" you will cause yourself unnecessary worry.

The correct reply is "That is a conceivable, but arbitrary statement. What evidence have you got?"

Summary

Remember, there are four kinds of statement, not just true and false, but also possible and arbitrary.

Challenge other people who make arbitrary statements and claim "it is possible". Learn to say in response: "That is a conceivable, but arbitrary statement. What evidence have you got?"

Avoid blurting out your own arbitrary statements. Doing so can make you sound naïve.

Stop yourself from creating arbitrary fears (conceivable but without evidence) and reacting to them as if they were "possible" (ie statements with evidence to back them).

Do this and you will think more accurately and rest more soundly.

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.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in Personal Effectiveness

• How to be More Efficient
  If it feels like you haven't got enough hours in the day, take a look at these tips in order to make your life easier by becoming more efficient.
  Read Article >
• What is Your Purpose?
  Your purpose is to add value to others, either your boss, your organisation, your customers, or friends and family. If you are able to give value to others, you will get others to willingly cooperate and work with you. A win-win situation all round.
  Read Article >
• Emotional Intelligence
  Emotional intelligence is the ability to empathise, or understand and appreciate how another person feels, given their context. Learn how to develop your emotional intelligence.
  Read Article >
• Sustainable Success
  To achieve success you must work hard, but you must be able to sustain your efforts over many years to be successful. You are a limited resource facing an unlimited demand, so you must learn to find the correct balance between work and recuperation.
  Read Article >
• How to Decide
  Decisions, decisions! We are faced with them every day. From what to eat, to whether we should change jobs. Instead of keep going over the reasons in your head, use this great method to make your decisions easier.
  Read Article >

Looking for Personal Development Training?

If you're looking to develop your Personal Effectiveness Skills, you may find this Personal Development Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

Next Open Course Starts in 3 days, Manchester, places available Book Now >