Independent thinkers are highly valuable to both organizations and society. Breakthroughs in technology, new business models, and game-changing strategies don’t originate from conventional thinking. They originate from fresh and unconventional thinking. Thinking independently is crucial in today’s world where information is abundant and opinions are rampant.

Where all think alike nobody thinks very much. This is a quote I come back to again and again because it’s true. People tend to conform and hang out with people who think alike. You have to avoid groupthink to be able to think what nobody else thinks.

How do you think what nobody else thinks?

In a world where conformity often reigns supreme, thinking differently can feel like swimming against the current. However, it’s often those unique, independent thoughts that lead to breakthroughs and innovation. Here’s how to cultivate the art of thinking what nobody else thinks – a journey not just of intellect, but of courage, curiosity, and conviction.

1. Embrace curiosity over conformity. From a young age, we’re taught to conform. But to think independently, you must first become comfortable with being different. Start with curiosity. Allow yourself to question the status quo. Why are things done a certain way? Is there a better method? The most innovative ideas often come from simply asking, “What if?”
2. Cultivate diverse experiences. To think differently, you need different inputs. Read books that challenge your worldview. Engage with people from various backgrounds. Travel, if you can. Each new experience is an opportunity to see the world from a different lens, providing fresh ideas and perspectives.
3. Learn to be comfortable with discomfort. Independent thinking can be uncomfortable. It might mean challenging long-held beliefs or standing alone in your opinion. Embrace this discomfort as a sign of growth. Remember, progress often requires us to leave the safety of familiar shores.
4. Develop critical thinking skills. Learn to analyze information critically. Don’t accept things at face value. Look for evidence, consider alternative explanations, and weigh the pros and cons. This doesn’t mean being contrarian for its own sake, but rather, seeking truth over convenience.
5. Foster creativity and imagination. Take time for creative pursuits. Creativity is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Write, draw, build, or brainstorm without limits. Allow your mind to wander and wonder.
6. Seek feedback and collaborate. While independent thinking is crucial, collaboration can refine and challenge your ideas. Engage with others, seek feedback, and be open to constructive criticism. Collaboration doesn’t mean giving up on your ideas; it’s about tempering and testing them in the forge of collective wisdom.
7. Be resilient against criticism. Independent thinkers are often met with resistance or skepticism. Develop a thick skin and learn to separate useful criticism from mere naysaying. Believe in your ideas, even if they’re not immediately accepted or understood.
8. Stay informed, but not conformed. While it’s important to stay informed, be wary of falling into the trap of groupthink. Sometimes, the most popular opinion is not the most accurate or insightful. Learn to distinguish between popular consensus and informed opinion.

To summarize what it takes to think what nobody else thinks do the following: challenge assumptions, do your own research and experiments, avoid groupthink.

Bottom line: Old keys don’t open new doors. Thinking what nobody else thinks is not just about being different – it’s about being true to your insights, experiences, and understanding of the world. It’s a path less traveled, but one that can lead to true innovation and change. So, dare to think independently, for it’s the independent thinkers who move the world forward.