Learn To Think Rationally

Are you a rational thinker?  Most of us see ourselves as fairly rational.  We believe that our thoughts are sensible and logical.  While these attributes do contribute to thinking rationally, Dr. Maxie Maultsby, Jr. has developed a specific set of five criteria to thinking rationally.  He believes that if we apply these criteria to our thoughts, we will be able to create rational thoughts that lead to calm emotional states and subsequently better decision-making ability.

The specific criteria for rational thinking are as follows:

1. Your thought is based on fact.
2. Your thought will help to protect your life and health.
3. Your thought will help you to achieve your short-term and long-time goals.
4. Your thought will help you get along with others.
5. Your thought will help you to feel the way you want to feel emotionally.

You may determine if you are thinking rationally by applying these criteria to each of your thoughts.  If your thought is based on fact and meets at least two of the remaining criteria, it is most likely a rational thought for you to think.

Why is thinking rationally important?  Because what you think and believe about a situation leads you to feel the way you feel emotionally and to behave the way you do physically.  For example, if you think and believe that you won’t be able to tolerate waiting in line at the grocery, you will most likely make yourself anxious about going to the grocery and may ultimately choose not to go.  If you do go, you may feel very uncomfortable and create a sense of panic for yourself while in the grocery store.  It is quite likely that if you continue to believe this thinking, that you will not be able to wait in line, and will probably leave the grocery without completing your shopping.

Let’s apply the five criteria for rational thinking to the above thought, “I can’t tolerate waiting in line at the grocery”.  Is this thought factual?  It is certainly your subjective opinion, but probably not based on any real facts (unless you are physically handicapped, or for some reason cannot stand or sit).  Is this thought life preserving?  Most likely, this criterion is not relevant at this time, unless you are tempted to take your life or someone else’s life when you think this thought.  Is this thought helpful in achieving your goals?  If your goal is to purchase groceries, this is not a helpful thought!  Will your thought help you to get along with others?  There is certainly a possibility you may create conflict with others while waiting in line, especially if you perceive them as taking too much time or keeping you waiting.  And lastly, will this thought help you feel the way you want?  It’s obvious that you will most likely be anxious (and possibly angry and/or depressed) and these are not desirable feelings.

For most of us, thinking rationally does not happen automatically.  You must practice applying the criteria for rational thinking to each of your thoughts.  A simple beginning exercise would be for you to record a few examples of your thinking that create thoughts you have listed, and see if they are rational.  Remember, what you think and believe leads you to feel the way you feel emotionally and to behave the way you do physically.  Rational thoughts are always based on fact.  You might notice a pattern to your thinking.  These patterns are what create our belief system.  The next article will address long and firmly held beliefs and how to challenge and change the ones that create negative emotional states.

Laura R. Meers, Ph.D.

Consulting Psychologists