10 Ways To Develop Logical Thinking Skills

 / 

Ways Develop Logical Thinking Skills

Want to sharpen your logical thinking skills? When you develop logical thinking, you can make the right decisions, solve problems and find out the truth easily. Hereโ€™s how to get started.

What is logical thinking?

Logic refers to the analysis of proper and improper reasoning. It allows our mind to distinguish between whatโ€™s correct and incorrect and whatโ€™s right and wrong. Logical thinking can be defined as observing and evaluating a situation to find out a logical solution to a probable problem. By utilizing your reasoning abilities, you can objectively look at the problem and reach a rational conclusion regarding how to move ahead. You can sharpen and develop logical thinking by utilizing your logical reasoning skills and using available facts to overcome a problem in your life.

Logical reasoning skills refer to our ability to focus on the task at hand following a rational thought process that connects different pieces of information to reach the most logical conclusion. Our reasoning skills enable us to overcome various life challenges that we encounter on a daily basis. Logical thinking involves a well-reasoned and coherent cognitive process that helps us to actively reflect on objective reality by utilizing various forms of thought, such as reasoning, judgments and concepts. By thinking, analyzing, and abstracting, we can develop logical thinking which helps us to understand the unique nature and properties of different things. This enables us to develop notions and concepts and utilize them to understand the objective of our reality. 

Logical thinking is based on concepts, judgments, and reasoning and primarily involves induction & deduction, analysis & synthesis and varies from the abstract to the concrete.

Also read: 22 Tips to Keep Your brain Sharp and Young At Any Age 

Logical reasoning and emotions

Recent studies have found that our ability to develop logical thinking and reasoning is significantly influenced by our emotions.

According to a 2014 scientific study โ€œEmotions can have a significant effect on the way we think, decide, and solve problems.โ€ {1} The researchers also found that emotions have a โ€œclear effectโ€ on reasoning performance. People with neutral mood reasoning tend to perform better than people with positive or negative moods. The study also found that our ability for logical reasoning is also affected by the content of the problem and anxiety disorders related to specific phobia

Also read: 16 Most Common and Weird Mind Tricks Your Brain Plays On You

Why develop logical thinking skills

Logical thinking enables you to solve various problems you encounter in life through logic and reasoning. It allows you to make practical decisions, develop productive and creative ideas, set realistic goals, and create strategies to achieve them. Logical thinking equips you with the tools to achieve success and move ahead in life while overcoming the numerous obstacles that come up throughout your life. By sharpening your logical reasoning and thinking skills, you will be able to find solutions that will help you thrive and live happily.

How to develop logical thinking

So you want to improve your logical reasoning skills? There are many ways to develop logical thinking in your daily life.ย 

Here are 10 effective ways for you to boost your logical thinking skills and get your brain to achieve more.

1. Use psychological distance

Psychological distance refers to a cognitive separation that is created between you and other crucial elements like a person, an event or a certain problem. According to Construal-Level Theory (CLT) of Psychological Distance, the further an object is from you, the more you will think about it in a more abstract way. Psychological distance includes various dimensions like โ€“

  • Temporal distance 
  • Spatial distance 
  • Social distance 
  • Hypothetical distance
  • Informational distance
  • Experiential distance
  • Affective distance

When you increase the distance between you and your problem on a mental and hypothetical level, you can think about more productive and creative solutions. Moreover, you can also acquire different perspectives from others and develop a new pattern of thinking to face your problem. 

According to a 2010 study, psychological distance tends to be egocentric. โ€œIts reference point is the self in the here and now, and the different ways in which an object might be removed from that point,โ€ whether hypothetically, or in time and space or in social distance, all these include separate distance dimensions, adds the study. {2} It has also been observed by experts that when we increase psychological distance to detach ourselves from a problem, we can increase our creative skills as well.ย 

Psychological distance allows us to think abstractly and access unrelated connections and unexpected concepts which increases our logical reasoning abilities.

2. Think strategically

Strategic thinking is a crucial element of logical thinking. When you start thinking strategically, your brain gets empowered and super-activated. Strategic thinking can help you find solutions to various problems related to your career and personal life. Here are a few habits you can develop to start thinking strategically –

  • Interpreting (look for patterns)
  • Critical thinking ( ask questions)
  • Anticipating (think about the future)
  • Deciding (reach conclusions)
  • Learning (study mistakes)
  • Playing (strategic games)
  • Practicing (developing strategies)

Also read: 8 Daily Habits That Are Secretly Damaging Your Brain

3. Use conditional statements

Conditional statements can help you reach logical conclusions. When you start thinking in conditional sentences, you will be able to identify the causes as well as consequences of different facts. Conditional sentences express factual or hypothetical implications and outcomes. These are also called โ€˜If Clausesโ€™ or โ€˜Conditional Clausesโ€™ as the validity of the main clause in the sentence depends on specific circumstances. It is mainly used to show that the main clause will occur only if a particular condition is realized.

For instance, if it rains, the ground will be wet. Here, if the context or the premise happens, then the conclusion will also occur. You can use conditional statements in various aspects of your life and observe if the rule holds true. This is an excellent way to develop logical thinking.

4. Visualize using mind maps

Vividly visualize the problem you are facing and utilize mind maps to organize all the available information visually. Mind maps are a simple graphical representation of a problem and ideas related to probable solutions on a blank page. It can help your mind to look for an appropriate solution by focusing on the ideas, improving your creative thinking, and generating more associated ideas from the main ideas.

You can make a hand-drawn mind map by adding the main problem and major ideas and include branches identifying the reasons for the issue at hand and sub-branches to include additional ideas. You can also add branches for the most effective possible solutions and add further details. This is undoubtedly a highly effective problem-solving tool that will help to develop logical thinking.

5. Enjoy Mathematics 

Do you hate math? Do geometry and algebra give you cold sweats? Well, thereโ€™s no reason to worry about it. Now that you have become your own person, solving mathematics problems can help your brain boost itโ€™s logical reasoning abilities. It is one of the best exercises for the brain. In fact, a 2008 study found that solving arithmetic problems can improve cognitive functions in normal adults.{3}

Once you know how to make math fun and enjoyable, you can easily improve your logical thinking skills. If you still struggle with math, then you can use some math apps and games or play Sudoku to get more comfortable with numbers and boost your brainโ€™s abilities.

6. Play with puzzles & crosswords 

Investing your time in complex games like chess, puzzles, Rubikโ€™s Cube and crosswords enable you to exercise your mind. These strategy games require that you analytically think about the problem and figure out the solution backward. You can use the same strategy to solve problems in your life.

Also read: 3 Ways to Improve Your Brain Health

7. Read and solve mysteries

If you want to develop logical thinking, then reading detective novels and crime stories are one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to do it. If you are not a fan of reading, then you can watch mystery movies, TV shows, or real-life documentaries as well. And to gain that detective-like edge, try to solve the mystery before the protagonist does.

8. Get some exercise

Recent studies have found that regular exercise can significantly help our brain to enhance memory and thinking skills. {4} One 2018 study found that โ€œmoderate-intensity exercise is related to increased performance in working memory and cognitive flexibility, whereas high-intensity exercise improves the speed of information processing.โ€ {5} Further research has revealed that regular aerobic exercise training can help to increase the size of the hippocampus, a crucial part of the human brain, which can improve learning and spatial memory. {6}

In fact, engaging in regular exercise of high or moderate intensity for a period of 6 to 12 months can also increase the volume of certain regions in the brain.

9. Debate

Conducting a debate is another great technique for improving logical thinking. These inspire you to look for facts, details, logical reasons, causes, and consequences related to the topic and use them in your arguments in a strategic way. Debates related to science, politics and philosophy are excellent for your brain as it compels you to evaluate and analyze key points and use available information to counter your opponent.

10. Get creative

Creative skills like writing, painting, drawing, sculpting, making music, or creating crafts can significantly stimulate your brain and help you develop logical thinking. Creative thinking improves your problem-solving skills that help to boost your performance at work. Pursuing your creative interests also helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

Also read: How Playing a Musical Instrument Can Improve Your Brain

Apart from these, there are some other ways to develop logical thinking, such as –

  • Practicing Yoga and meditation
  • Listening to classical music 
  • Learning a new language
  • Learning new skills
  • Getting proper rest and nutrition 
  • Socializing with others
  • Playing sports
  • Asking more questions
  • Anticipating the outcome of decisions
  • Playing card games

Boost your brain

You can easily develop logical thinking by following the tips mentioned above and practicing them daily. These techniques allow you to approach logical reasoning naturally and use it to solve various daily problems in your life. 

So go ahead and try them. The methods mentioned above will not only improve your logical reasoning skills but help you to become more productive and effective in general.

Also read 25 Interesting Psychological Facts You Didnโ€™t Know About Yourself


Reference:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4050437/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3152826/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2276592/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951958/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5934999/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3041121/
Ways Develop Logical Thinking Skills pin

— Share —

— About the Author —

Response

  1. Gopi Krishna Nayak Avatar
    Gopi Krishna Nayak

    It was really good staff, I wish more articles on logical thinking ๐Ÿ’ญ to develop people mind set and the way of thinking.

Leave a Reply



Up Next

6 Benefits Of Walking: Why It’s One Of The Best Things You Can Do For Your Mental Health

Brilliant Benefits Of Walking For Your Mental Health

Walking is so underrated when it comes to ensuring mental well-being. There are so many powerful benefits of walking that can do wonders for our mental and emotional health. This article is going to talk about some of the best mental health benefits of walking.

Boost your mood, energy level, confidence, and more simply by getting your steps in.

Taking a brisk walk is a great way to clear your head, calm your mood, and keep you healthy. It may seem simple, but walking can have a powerful effect on your mental health, and the good news is that itโ€™s free.



Up Next

Neuro-Ninja Training: 10 Indoor Brain Strengthening Games For A Sharp Mind

Powerful Brain Strengthening Games For A Sharp Mind

Do you want to exercise your brain in the most fun, interesting, and most importantly, enjoyable way possible? Then you have come to the right place! Keeping your mind sharp and your brain alert is one of the most powerful things you can do. That’s why, we have compiled a list of brain strengthening games for you to try.

These brain strengthening games will boost your brain, keep you entertained and also increase your intellect. No more of those boring games to improve memory and concentration, because these are designed to be fun and exciting.

So, ready to explore how you can train your brain with games? Le



Up Next

15 Provocative Questions To Trigger Curiosity And Help In Creative Problem-Solving

Provocative Questions To Trigger Curiosity

If you are have ever thought how to trigger your curiosity, then you have come to the right place. Embracing curiosity is one of the best things you can do for yourself, and the curiosity questions mentioned in this article will help you achieve that goal. Check out these 15 questions to trigger curiosity and see how it works for you!

KEY POINTS

The ability to be curious generally declines in adulthood.

Curiosity is a portal to increased innovation.

Curiosity can be relearned with the right questions.

Today’s curiosi



Up Next

How Do Some People ‘Hear’ Colors And ‘See’ Sounds? โ€” A Look Into Synesthesia

What Is Synesthesia? Interesting Types Of Synesthesia?

What does the color red sound like? Only those with the power of synesthesia can truly โ€œhearโ€ it. It is a secret power that about 4% of people have โ€“ their senses make unexpected connections.

Researchers are now diving into this new world to understand more about these sensory experiences where one is hearing colors and seeing sounds. So let’s dive in and learn what is synesthesia actually.

What Is Synesthesia?



Up Next

What Is Counterfactual Thinking: The Psychological Forces and Life-Altering Impact of ‘What Ifs

What Is Counterfactual Thinking? Psychological Insights

Have you ever wondered, ‘If only I had done something differently, then the results would be different’? This thought process is an example of counterfactual thinking in action. Understanding what is counterfactual thinking involves exploring our minds’ ‘what if’ scenarios.”

We will look at four real-life situations that show how thinking about “what if” can change how we see ourselves and the world around us.

But before exploring the examples, let us first understand what is counterfactual thinking.

What is Counterfactual Thinking?   



Up Next

Understanding The Mind Body Connection Definition: 3 Compelling Benefits of This Holistic Approach to Well-Being

Mind Body Connection Definition | Powerful Benefits

Have you ever felt that the constant noise of modern life drowns out the whispers of your inner self? By understanding the mind-body connection definition you will be able to forge a path of self-discovery and holistic well-being.

Mind Body Connection Definition  

The mind body connection is a fundamental concept that emphasizes the link between our mental and physical well-being. It’s all about understanding that our minds and bodies are not separate entities but work together as a unified system.



Up Next

Understanding Solastalgia Meaning: The Subtle yet Profound Emotional Impact of Environmental Change

Solastalgia Meaning: Environmental Change's Emotional Impact

Have you ever felt a profound sense of loss and disconnection, even while standing in a place you once called home? It is more than just nostalgia! Understanding solastalgia meaning helps us to understand our relationship with our environment.

We will delve into three primary causes of solastalgia. These insights will not only inform but also leave you with a deep appreciation for the relationship between your emotions and the ever-changing landscapes of your lives.

What is Solastalgia?  

Solastalgia, a term born from the fusion of ‘solace’ and ‘algia,’ carries profound significance in our understanding of the emotional impact of environmental chang