Think smarter, not harder

Are you sometimes stumped by the simplest question? It has nothing to do with being stupid, and everything to do with learning how to think more efficiently. Here’s how:

Hit ‘pause’ Avoid wasting time by asking people to repeat themselves (or misunderstanding what you were asked to do) by taking a ‘verbal photograph’ of the question; say something like, “Let me just recap what I think it is that you’re asking.”
Ask for more information Whether you’re deciding if a teenager can go to a dance, or if you should buy shares in a company, the process should be the same: you must have as many facts as possible so you can make an informed decision.
Consider different options Solving a problem doesn’t mean doing what you’ve always done before; nor does it mean coming up with a completely new idea. The best decisions are often a combination of an old idea and something fresh. Look for synergies: Are there two projects you’re working on that can be rolled together? Two trips in the same direction, but at different times, that you can reschedule? Give new ways of doing things a chance – many good ideas are killed by snap judgments.
Sleep on it Putting a decision aside for a while is often the only thing to do. Other people may not like the delay, but it’s better than making the wrong decision and then having to back-track. Even if you don’t wake up with the answer, at least you can attack the problem feeling refreshed.
Move your mind Do a crossword puzzle. Read a book. Go to an art gallery. According to a report in Science News, the very act of learning creates ‘neural efficiencies’ in your brain that make it easier to think clearly the rest of the time.