Are your decisions really your own, or are they shaped by the opinions of others and all the noise around you? This week I’m talking about the importance of thinking for yourself… so, let’s talk! 😃
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
Show Notes
Episode Description:
Are your decisions truly your own, or are they shaped by the noise around you? In this episode, I’m exploring *why thinking for yourself matters* and how *making more informed decisions* can lead to better mental health and a more fulfilling life. I’ll show you how to become *independent thinkers* through *critical thinking*, rather than following the crowd. You’ll also learn *why critical thinking matters* when it comes to navigating life’s challenges and making choices that align with your values. Let’s talk about how to take control of your decisions and live more intentionally.
Episode Release Date:
October 27th, 2024
Key Points:
- The importance of thinking for yourself
- What it means to make informed decisions
- How critical thinking helps you make better life choices
- The impact of decisions on your mental health
- Practical steps to improve decision-making
Mentioned in this Episode (links open in new window):
- Episode 156: Instinct
- Link to my YouTube channel for additional content (new videos every Wednesday)
Quote of the Week:
“Think for yourself, or others will think for you without thinking of you.” — Unknown
Call to Action:
How do you make informed decisions? Share your thoughts in the Spotify comments section, or connect with me on Instagram @ltamentalhealth. Sign up for the weekly transcript and show notes at ltamh.com.
Next Week’s Episode:
Next week, I’ll be discussing how to find lasting peace of mind (and why it’s so important for your mental health). Scheduled for release on November 3, 2024 (one week earlier for Official Supporters on Patreon).
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Support the Show:
Become a paid supporter on Patreon for early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive content (opens in new window).
TRANSCRIPT
How to Make More Informed Decisions
Why is it so important to think for yourself? What is critical thinking, and how does it improve mental health? And can you learn how to make better decisions for yourself that tune out the noise and opinions of others?
Well, that’s what I’m talking about in this episode: how to make more informed decisions for better mental health.
Ready to explore why thinking for yourself matters? Then, let’s talk!
Hello and welcome back to the Let’s Talk About Mental Health podcast, the independent show full of simple ideas for better mental health, and thanks for joining me!
If you’re new here, then hi! I’m Jeremy Godwin, podcast creator and writer, and this isn’t another show full of interviews or random opinions; I’m also a mental health counsellor, and each week I teach you practical and effective ways to improve your mental wellbeing, all based on quality research as well as my own experience of learning to live with anxiety and depression (after a breakdown in 2011 that changed my life).
This is Episode 255 and today I’ll be talking about the importance of critical thinking so you can make more informed decisions — what it means, why it matters, and how you can do it in practical ways.
So, let’s talk!
***********
Maybe it’s just me, but it can really feel like we’re constantly bombarded by opinions — from social media, friends, family, even random strangers online… and it’s easy to get swept up in all of that noise, and lose sight of what you really need and want. But here’s the thing: the decisions you make — big or small — have a direct impact on the way you experience life, and more importantly, the way you feel about yourself. And so that means that they’re your responsibility, which requires you to think carefully about the choices you make since they’re potentially going to have a flow-on effect in some or maybe even all areas of your life (I mean, some decisions are — of course — more important than others; the brand of milk you choose might not rock your world, but the type of car you buy probably will… especially if you wind up buying a Flintstones-style car and you have to yabba-dabba-doo your way to work every day — but that’s a random conversation for another day!).
Today I’m talking about how to make more informed decisions that aren’t just about quick fixes or following the crowd, but about creating a mindset that actually serves you in the long term. Because your mindset shapes everything — from your relationships, to your career, and even to your mental health. When you take control of your decisions and make them with intention, you’re not just navigating life more effectively, you’re also setting yourself up for a more balanced and peaceful existence. It’s about tuning out the noise and focusing on what truly matters to you.
So, let’s start with some definitions and let’s talk about…
What does ‘making more informed decisions’ mean?
Making more informed decisions means taking the time to understand the options in front of you and considering the possible outcomes before choosing a course of action. It’s about gathering the facts, looking at things from different perspectives, and weighing up the pros and cons, rather than just rushing in or simply following the opinions of others; it’s the reason why, as a counsellor, I make it very clear to clients that I won’t just give them the answers but that we work together to find the solutions that feel right for them (because counselling is about learning how to take control of your own life, not having someone tell you what to do!).
When you make informed decisions, you’re more likely to feel confident in your choices because they’re based on your own reasoning rather than being influenced by external noise. This approach encourages you to be proactive rather than reactive, which helps you feel much more in control of your life.
Practically-speaking, making informed decisions involves doing a bit of homework before jumping to conclusions or making choices big or small. It’s also about thinking for yourself when it comes to forming opinions about the world around you; instead of taking every post on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook at face value, it’s about really stepping back and considering its authenticity before just believing that post with random nonsense like claiming that Belize has been overrun by 10-foot high talking bugs who are hellbent on world domination (or whatever other kind of rubbish passes for ‘truth’ on social media!).
In terms of your mental health and the way you interact with the world, making informed decisions means you’re less likely to get caught up in drama or negativity. When you take the time to think through your choices, and to rationally consider the so-called ‘evidence’ put in front of you, you start to become more in tune with what’s real and what isn’t, as well as what matters to you and what doesn’t, which makes it easier to set boundaries, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and focus on things that bring you peace and fulfilment.
For example, we just had local government elections here recently and there was so much nonsense and so many empty promises touted by political hopefuls about what they’d do if elected (and the nonsense was especially loud from the ones who wanted to be re-elected, who were making the exact same promises they had the time before — promises that still hadn’t been delivered on, I might add!). So, instead of just taking them at their word, I think a much healthier approach is to take time to understand who they are from a character-based perspective and to focus on supporting those whose values and beliefs were more aligned with my own (rather than the ones who seem to think that ‘morals’ and ‘ethics’ are just words, rather than mottos to live by in order to be a decent human being).
So, my point is that making informed decisions involves stepping back from the opinions of others, the pressure to conform, or the urge to react impulsively, and instead choosing actions that are aligned with your values. This has a ripple effect on your relationships and experiences, because the energy you put out is usually what comes back to you. If you’re someone who acts with integrity, kindness, consideration, and clarity, then you’ll likely find yourself more attuned with others and more likely to feel grounded in your own skin.
So, with that in mind, now let’s talk about…
Why making more informed decisions matters
And it matters because it puts you in the driver’s seat of your own life. When you take the time to consider your options, understand the facts, and weigh the consequences of your actions, you’re making choices based on your own reasoning… rather than just being swept along by external forces. Let’s face it: it can be all-too-easy to let others dictate your choices in a world filled with opinions, misinformation, and social media noise (and I’m being polite by just calling it ‘noise’!).
But when you think for yourself, you’re not just reacting or going along with the crowd — you’re responding more thoughtfully and with clarity, purpose, and intention. This leads to better outcomes in all areas of your life, whether that’s in your relationships, career, finances, personal development, whatever.
This is one of those semi-existential episodes that I do sometimes, where I get a bit philosophical about why it’s so important for the sake of your mental health… and I do that because these often tend to be some of the biggest lessons I had to learn as I navigated my way through building a new life for myself after my breakdown, and the worst of my depression and anxiety. I had to really think about who I was and who I wasn’t, as well as who I wanted to be; I’ve always been pretty good at thinking for myself, but working in the corporate sector for a long time (not to mention carrying a bucketload of personal trauma) makes it hard for anyone to feel completely comfortable being their truest and most authentic self… and so that’s something I had to learn, and that I’m still learning, really, and a big part of that has been listening to my own heart in order to decide how to move forward with my life — and it really is the greatest thing I’ve ever done (which is a big part of why I wanted to talk about this subject today — well, that, and the fact that there’s still so much nonsense going on in the world and I’m on a one-person mission to encourage anyone who’ll listen to stop letting other people and their messed-up agendas determine where your energy goes!).
So here’s the point of all this: by making informed decisions, you not only create a more peaceful and balanced life for yourself, but you also become someone who contributes to a healthier and more positive world. And that’s exactly what this world needs a lot more of right now. What you put out truly does come back to you, so when you approach life with thoughtfulness and care, you’re helping to shape a better environment — for yourself and for those around you.
So, how do you do that? Well, let’s first take a quick break to hear from the brands who help me create this show each week…
AD BREAK [Note: Ads do not play if you have Spotify Premium or are an Official Supporter tier Patreon supporter]
And welcome back! Now let’s get into the how-to part of today’s episode and let’s talk about…
How to make more informed decisions
OK, first, take your time when making decisions — so, I really think that one of the most important aspects of making informed decisions is to not rush things. Taking your time allows you to think through your options carefully and avoid making impulsive choices that you might later regret… and it gives you the space to reflect on what really matters to you so you can consider all the relevant information. Do this by setting aside time to process your decisions — whether it’s a few minutes, hours, or even days. It’s about creating a mental buffer, so you’re not pressured into making snap judgements. The more time you give yourself to weigh up your options, or to consider information presented to you, the more likely you are to make a decision that aligns with your long-term goals and your values. OK, next…
Do your research — making an informed decision means being informed… and that means understanding the facts before you act. Researching your options ensures that you have a clear picture of what you’re dealing with and helps to avoid being swayed by misinformation or assumptions, which reduces the likelihood of making decisions based on incomplete or biased information. You can do this by looking up reputable sources, asking for advice from trusted people, or simply taking the time to investigate things for yourself. For example, when I’m researching these episodes I stick to industry and academic sources so I know I can trust the content (as opposed to the type of advice being pedalled by the Facebook School of Nonsense and Shenanigans!), and even when it comes to the quote I choose at the end of each episode I spend extra time finding a verifiable original source for it instead of just believing what the Internet claims (because I’ll tell you right now that there’s a lot of stuff attributed to the likes of Gandhi and Abraham Lincoln that they definitely never said; I can almost guarantee you that Einstein never once declared, “I wanna really, really, really wanna zigazig ah,” but if you look hard enough you’ll find it credited to him somewhere in the vast expanse of digital horse manure that constitutes the Internet! OK, so, following that rant about doing your research, my next tip is…
Question the source of information — a key part of thinking critically is being able to question where your information comes from, because not all sources are created equal and what you’re told may be biased or incomplete. Ask yourself, “Who is providing this information, and what might their agenda be?” — because the fact is that there are a lot of people who have their own agendas to pursue and who may be presenting incomplete or even inaccurate information in support of that agenda. Let’s just be honest here: people lie. Consider whether the source is reputable, and whether there’s any reason they might be promoting a particular perspective. Being aware of where your information comes from helps you filter out noise and make decisions that are based on facts, not influence. OK, next…
Consider your values — when you’re making decisions, it’s essential to align your choices with your personal values… because decisions that reflect what truly matters to you are more likely to bring long-term satisfaction and a sense of purpose. Do this by taking the time to reflect on what’s most important to you — whether it’s honesty, kindness, independence, growth, etc. Ask yourself, “Does what I’m doing now support the kind of person I want to be?” and “Will this choice bring me closer to living a life that feels authentic and fulfilling?” By keeping your values front and centre at all times, you’re less likely to be swayed by outside influences or popular opinion, and much more likely to make decisions that resonate deeply with who you are. Just be mindful that, as individuals, we each have our own unique way of looking at the world and our own values, and ‘kindness’ involves respecting the right of other people to live their lives in the way that feels authentic and fulfilling to them; instead of fighting about our values, we need to focus on finding common ground and creating greater understanding and compassion. Next…
Ask “why” more often — one of the simplest and most effective ways to sharpen your critical thinking is to ask “why?” about everything, rather than just accepting things at face value, because it encourages deeper analysis and prevents you from making assumptions based on incomplete information. You can do this by questioning the reasoning behind ideas, trends, and even your own choices. For example, if you’re following a certain path in life, ask yourself why you’re doing it, and whether it aligns with your true desires and values. Asking “why” is one of the greatest questions of all time because it helps uncover the underlying motivations behind decisions, which helps you make more thoughtful and authentic choices. Next…
Separate emotions from logic — OK, so while emotions are an important part of being human, they can sometimes cloud our judgement, so you need to learn how to distinguish between emotional reactions and rational thinking if you want to make more informed decisions. Do this by taking a step back when you feel emotionally charged about a situation and asking yourself, “Am I reacting emotionally, or is there solid reasoning here?” As a general rule-of-thumb, you’ll find it can take your rational mind a good 10-15 seconds to catch up with your emotions sometimes… so, pause and breathe slowly for 15 seconds or so before you then start to think about whatever is going on and how to respond to it (because that will buy you some time so your logical brain can catch up with that part of you that’s being run by pure emotion!). It’s not about ignoring your emotions, but about ensuring they don’t overpower your ability to think critically. By balancing logic and emotion, you can make decisions that are both thoughtful and true to your values. OK, next…
Listen to your gut, but verify it with facts — your intuition plays a really valuable role, but it’s important to balance it with factual information. This helps because gut feelings are often informed by past experiences, but they can be clouded by our emotions or assumptions. Pay attention to your initial feelings about a situation or decision, and then back it up with research and logic. For example, if something doesn’t feel right then take that as a cue to investigate it further rather than just relying on the gut feeling alone. I covered instinct in Episode 156 if you’d like to explore that topic in more detail. OK, next…
Seek advice, but trust your judgement — so, it’s definitely helpful to get input from others, especially people with experience or knowledge in a particular area, but it’s equally important to trust your own judgement. While advice can offer new perspectives, nobody knows your situation better than you do. Gather insights from people you respect, but ultimately decide what feels right for you. Remember: advice is a tool, not a rule — use it to inform your decision, not dictate it. Alright, next…
Don’t be afraid to ask questions — never hesitate to ask questions when you’re faced with uncertainty; whether that’s to yourself, to others, or even directly to the situation, because asking questions opens up a deeper level of understanding and gives you more information to base your decisions on. Question details that seem unclear or confusing, and only make a decision once you feel comfortable to do so. For example, if you’re unsure about a job offer then ask for clarification on responsibilities or long-term growth opportunities. Asking the right questions ensures that you have the full picture before deciding. OK, next…
Challenge your own assumptions — often, we make decisions based on assumptions we’ve held for years without ever questioning whether or not they’re true. By challenging your own beliefs, you open yourself up to new ways of thinking so you can be more informed. Try asking yourself, “Why do I believe this?” and “Is this really true, or am I just accepting it because it’s familiar?” By examining the beliefs that guide your choices, you’re better able to spot outdated or unhelpful thought patterns, leading to more informed decisions. Next…
Look at things from multiple perspectives — thinking critically means being able to see an issue from different angles, so you can gain a more balanced view of a situation and avoid tunnel vision. Try deliberately putting yourself in someone else’s situation and asking, “How might they view this decision?” or “What are some other possible explanations for this situation?” By broadening your perspective, you’ll be able to weigh up your options more effectively and avoid being swayed by one-sided thinking. OK, next…
Limit your exposure to external noise — which may sound like a contradiction of the last point, but hear me out: there’s exploring different perspectives, and then there’s just noise… and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by opinions and advice from all directions, particularly on social media and in the news. Too much external input can lead to confusion or second-guessing, so be selective about where you get your information and take regular breaks from social media; I’ve been off my personal Instagram for nearly three months now and my brain feels clearer than it has in a long time! Limit your exposure to sources that might push you in directions that don’t feel right; for example, news services that are more focused on pushing a specific agenda, or whipping up negativity in order to keep viewers watching for longer so they can sell more ads. Deliberately limiting your exposure to noise creates the mental space you need to think clearly, so that you can think for yourself and make choices based on what’s best for you. Next…
Make choices your future self will thank you for — which means thinking beyond the here and now, and considering the impact your choices will have on your future self. Aligning your decisions with your long-term wellbeing ensures that you’re not just following the crowd or acting on impulse, but instead thinking for yourself in a way that honours your deeper goals and values. Ask yourself, “Am I choosing this because it truly reflects who I want to become, or am I doing it because it’s what others expect of me?” By keeping your future self in mind, you’re more likely to resist outside pressures and make decisions that genuinely support your personal growth and fulfilment, and the life you want to create. And remember that it’s OK to change your mind (in fact, I just recently did a video about that over on my YouTube channel, which is linked in the episode description).
[Final Tips and Next Time]
Because when it comes to making more informed decisions and your mental health, what it all boils down to is this:
At the end of the day, the choices you make shape the life you live. By learning to make more informed decisions, you’re not just navigating your life with more clarity — you’re building a stronger and more resilient mindset that will serve you well in all areas of your life. The power to think for yourself, in a way that’s aligned with your values, is in your hands… and when you really give yourself permission to think for yourself, you’ll find that life becomes more fulfilling, less stressful, and filled with more positive and meaningful experiences. Each choice you make is an opportunity to move closer to the life you truly want.
The choice is yours, as it is with all things related to your wellbeing… so, what choice will YOU make today?
Each week I like to finish up by sharing a quote about the week’s topic, and I encourage you to take a few moments to really reflect on it and consider what it means to you. This week’s quote is by an unknown author, and it is:
“Think for yourself, or others will think for you without thinking of you.”
Unknown*
*This quote is often accredited to Henry David Thoreau, but I cannot find any evidence of an original source to confirm that so I’ve marked it as ‘unknown’
Alright… that’s nearly it for this week!
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And let me know, how do you make informed decisions? If you’re on Spotify you can share in the Comments section below, otherwise let me know on Instagram @ltamentalhealth or comment on the transcript and show notes, which you can have delivered to your inbox each week; sign up at ltamh.com or use the link in the episode description. And for more content follow my other Instagram account @itsjeremygodwin.
I’ll talk to you next week for a new episode, when I’ll be discussing how to find lasting peace of mind (and why it’s so important for your mental health). That will be out on November 3; hit ‘follow’ on your podcast service and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.
Thank you very much for joining me today. Look after yourself and make a conscious effort to share positivity and kindness out into the world… because you get back what you put out. Take care and talk to you next time!
Let’s Talk About Mental Health is an independent program proudly produced by Reconnaissance Media. For more information visit reconnaissancemedia.com
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The information provided in this episode is for general awareness on the topic and does not constitute advice. You should consult a doctor and/or mental health professional if you’re struggling with your mental health and wellbeing. You’ll find additional information on the Resources page of this website.
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