The many causes of think errors

We all make think errors from time to time, and very often, the consequences can be serious.  Yet it's something that rarely receives the attention it deserves. We accept it as a fact of life that people are trying to make as few mistakes as possible when they try to achieve anything.

But strangely enough, only little attention is paid to the mental process.  What we seldom seem to realize is that being in charge of our thinking is the gateway to happiness and success.


But what are these think errors?  Looking for an excuse not to do something is a major source of think errors. We all know these excuses, and they are easily identified. Think of phrases like "It is not in the budget," "This would never work, because…," "No one would accept it." Errors also occur due to fear of failure.  Two familiar phrases in this regard are “I can’t" and “It’s too risky.”

Think excuses are not the only source of think errors, however.  The following will highlight a few more sources for you to think about.

Firstly, errors might occur when you have a preference to externalize your problems.  This is a serious dilemma. If things are going wrong, a convenient way out is to look outside ourselves, to find someone or something we can blame for not getting the anticipated results.  Playing the blame game is becoming a serious issue lately.

Secondly, the illusion of thinking is often a serious dilemma. This means you have become involved in the walking-talking-breathing-doing type of thinking. This is usually referred to as habitual thinking. You do things without really thinking about it. We all do this.

Thirdly, an aspect of serious concern in the think process is the lack of a vision, and not having a purpose and the ensuing goals. Vision is a critical competency for any leader, as long as it is created with systems thinking, and trusting your intuition.  If this is not done, errors are bound to occur.

Finally, if you are egocentric you have a built-in think error system.  It entails you are totally convinced your particular understanding of things is the only and absolute truth. The problem is that this concept is so firmly established in your belief system that no one, not even a close friend, can convince you to think otherwise.


So, how do you prevent any think errors from occurring?

There are two things which you always have to keep in mind: 
•          you are responsible for your thinking.  Any errors in the think process are of your own doing; and
•          it is a requirement that your thinking must be done within the systems context.

How do you accomplish this? Well, the best and only way is you must master the techniques and processes of systems thinking.  This form of thinking is contained in a system specifically designed for this purpose, where you will apply three cornerstones of the process, i.e. to think, to lead and to achieve. 

In this system, you will be put in a leadership position, from where you will be able to take charge of the think and achieve processes.  You will indeed be empowered to identify and eliminate these think errors, and enjoy the prospects of achievement where happiness and success are the key ingredients.