Episode 8 - Nick Lawler

“Critical thinking is impossible without imagination. So, thinking is a creative process,” explains Nick Lawler, founder and CEO of Sukha Business Coaching, which offers business coaching, research services, and consultancy. Today, Nick joins host Dan to talk about critical thinking and why it is important for business owners. He shares six steps that critical thinking entails as well as actionable tasks you can take to begin creating a work culture that encourages curiosity, creativity, and thinking critically. 

 

One of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs is allowing their own limited thinking to get in the way of achieving their goals. In order to clear that obstacle, business owners must learn how to think critically and be more mindful of their process and approach to solving problems. Instead of just running on autopilot and continuing to be blocked by blind spots in your thinking patterns, try writing down the best question you can think of. Then, gather evidence based data, check the validity of that data, and collaborate with others who can see around your blind spots and give their feedback. 

 

Next Actions:

• Create a space and a structure to give yourself room for thinking critically. Be mindful of which places allow for the space and structure that you need such as while in the shower, walking the dog, gardening, or reading. 

• Start writing down the questions and ideas you think of. Make your question as specific and clear as possible.

• Get feedback on your written ideas through collaboration. This will help you to see around your blind spots. 

 

Quotes

• “The biggest obstacle we face that we need to clear is how our limited thinking stops us achieving the goals we want to achieve.” (7:40-7:50 | Nick) 

• “Make the question small enough to be specific and make the question small enough that you have a good chance of being able to answer it clearly.” (25:42-25:55 | Nick)

• “Don't do your thinking before you do your writing. Start writing, because that's what will help your thinking.” (33:35-33:41 | Nick)

• “Critical thinking is impossible without imagination. So, thinking is a creative process.” (37:53-38:00 | Nick)

• “Create some space and some structure that gives you thinking time.” (43:33-43:38 | Nick) 

 

Links

 

Connect with Nick Lawler:

Website: https://www.sukhayoga.co.uk

 

Clearing Obstacles:

Website:clearingobstacles.com 

 

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm