Judgement: Self Review
- personal995
- Jun 23, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 14
Introduction
Richard Feynman, the great physicist, once said, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.”
We need to check in with ourselves and keep ourselves honest. We all stray from our Values, Goals and The Path. That is normal, that is okay. What we do when we realise we have strayed is what matters.
The Socratic method is a form of cooperative, argumentative dialogue to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. It is named after the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, who employed this method in his teaching.
In the Socratic method, instead of providing direct answers to questions, a person engages in a dialogue to explore and clarify their own (or others) thoughts and beliefs. This process involves asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and uncover underlying assumptions or contradictions.
When applied to the self, the Socratic method becomes a means of self-inquiry and reflection.
Process
In the tradition of the Socratic method, the below is a series of questions to consider when checking in with yourself as you progress:
Review each question one at a time. Are you being honest with yourself? Do you truly know your position and progress?
The Self Review Worksheet in The Workbook can be used to help document your thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward.
Based on your review, thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward:
Do you need to adjust your Models & Theories to course correct or move forward?
Do you have further Lessons to learn to adapt your approach?
Are there Tactics that could assist you to better handle specific scenarios?
Whatever the answers are you discover about yourself, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. What matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.
Self Review
1. What evidence supports my current beliefs or opinions?
This question encourages reflection on the basis of one's beliefs and opinions, prompting an examination of the evidence and reasoning behind them.
2. Am I considering alternative perspectives or viewpoints?
Encouraging consideration of alternative viewpoints helps individuals avoid confirmation bias and promotes a more comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand.
3. What assumptions am I making, and are they justified?
Examining underlying assumptions helps individuals identify potential biases and gaps in their reasoning, leading to more sound and objective judgments.
4. Have I sought out reliable sources of information and data?
Ensuring the reliability and credibility of sources is crucial for making informed decisions and forming accurate judgments.
5. What are the potential consequences or implications of my decision?
Considering the potential outcomes and consequences of a decision encourages individuals to weigh the risks and benefits carefully before reaching a conclusion.
6. Have I consulted with others who have relevant expertise or experience?
Seeking input from others with diverse perspectives and expertise can provide valuable insights and help individuals make more well-rounded judgments.
7. What biases might be influencing my thinking, and how can I mitigate them?
Identifying and acknowledging biases is the first step toward mitigating their influence on judgment and decision-making. This question prompts individuals to reflect on their own biases and develop strategies to counteract them.
8. Is my decision consistent with my values and principles?
Ensuring alignment with personal values and principles helps individuals make decisions that are congruent with their ethical standards and long-term goals.
9. Am I open to revising my opinions or changing my course of action based on new information?
Cultivating a willingness to adapt and revise one's opinions in light of new evidence or insights fosters intellectual humility and promotes continuous learning and growth.
10. How can I learn from past decisions or mistakes to improve my judgment in the future?
Reflecting on past decisions and experiences provides valuable lessons that can inform future judgment and decision-making, enabling individuals to learn and grow from their experiences.
11. What assumptions am I making about the situation, and how can I test their validity?
By identifying and testing assumptions, individuals can ensure that their judgments are based on solid reasoning rather than unfounded beliefs.
12. Am I actively seeking out diverse sources of information to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue?
Actively seeking diverse perspectives and information sources helps individuals avoid echo chambers and broaden their understanding of complex issues.
13. How can I employ critical thinking techniques, such as logical reasoning or problem-solving frameworks, to analyze the situation more effectively?
Utilizing critical thinking techniques provides a structured approach to analyzing complex problems and making informed decisions.
14. Have I conducted a thorough risk assessment to identify potential pitfalls or challenges associated with my decision?
Conducting a risk assessment helps individuals anticipate and mitigate potential risks, leading to more robust and resilient decision-making.
15. What strategies can I use to manage decision-making biases, such as anchoring or overconfidence?
Implementing strategies like cognitive debiasing techniques or decision-making checklists can help individuals recognize and mitigate common biases that may influence judgment.
16. Am I leveraging the power of intuition and gut feelings appropriately, while also balancing them with analytical reasoning?
Acknowledging and incorporating intuitive insights can complement analytical reasoning, leading to more holistic and nuanced decision-making.
17. How can I break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components to facilitate better understanding and decision-making?
Breaking down complex problems into manageable chunks helps individuals tackle them more effectively and make more informed decisions.
18. Have I considered the long-term implications of my decision, as well as its potential impact on stakeholders and broader societal factors?
Taking a long-term perspective helps individuals make decisions that align with their values and have positive impacts beyond immediate outcomes.
19. Am I willing to revise my beliefs or change my position based on compelling evidence or reasoned arguments, even if it challenges my current views?
This question underscores the importance of intellectual honesty and humility, encouraging individuals to prioritize the pursuit of truth over the preservation of their ego or identity.
By posing these self-reflective questions you can deepen your awareness of your current position. In turn, enhancing the clarity and most important steps of your strategic approach moving forward.
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