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You probably know the importance of trusting your intuition and staying grounded in truth. But in a world full of information, misinformation, disinformation, and opinions, how do you actually know what’s real?
That’s where critical thinking comes in. Think of it as keeping your inner light strong enough to see through illusion, whether that illusion shows up in a relationship, a viral post, or a flashy product.
Don’t worry; you don’t need to be skeptical of everything or lose faith to be a critical thinker. It’s about asking better questions, staying curious, and combining your logic with your intuition. Below are some simple ways to do that in everyday life.
1. Detach from Your Emotions
The better you become at temporarily detaching from emotions related to the issue, the more easily you will perceive the truth.
2. Always Ask “Why?”
This is the golden question. Why does this person believe what they’re saying? Why am I reacting this way? Why is this being promoted now?
Asking “why” helps you dig beneath the surface. Keep asking “why” until things make sense.
Asking “why” about your own beliefs can also uncover your personal bias.
3. Follow the Money
Money leaves a trail. It reveals motives that words often hide.
Who really benefits if you believe this or buy that? That’s your first clue.
4. Ask “What’s the Agenda?”
This one’s huge. Not all agendas are bad, but being aware that everyone has one protects you.
A company’s agenda might be profit. A politician’s might be re-election. A friend’s might be to keep the peace at any cost. Being honest about agendas helps you stay grounded and less likely to be emotionally manipulated.
5. Never Trust a Headline or “Anonymous Sources”
We live in a world that thrives on clicks, likes, and shares. Headlines are designed to grab attention, not always to tell the full story. Truth is labeled conspiracy theory, and lies are peddled as facts.
Always pause before you repost, react, or rant. Read the full article. Check sources. Search for other opinions. Ask, who actually said this? and where’s the evidence? Keep your mind open but anchored in discernment.
This works in everyday life too. Don’t just react to gossip or dramatic texts; get the full picture first.
6. Verify Information
There’s power in doing your homework. Whether it’s a claim about health, a shocking “secret” video, or something a spiritual teacher says, verify it.
If you can’t find solid sources, or if you find ten different versions of “truth” that can’t be proven, it’s okay to leave the question open. Critical thinkers know when to say, “I don’t know yet.”
7. Trust Actions More Than Words
People and organizations can say anything. Watch what they do.
8. Use Your Intuition
Critical thinking doesn’t mean ignoring intuition. It means balancing facts and logic with inner guidance.
If something feels off, it probably is. Your intuition is a built-in truth detector. When you pair it with evidence and reasoning so you’re not just guessing, you’re examining and sensing at the same time.
9. Ask God, Your Guides, or the Light for Clarity
Whatever your spiritual language is (God, Source, Higher Self, angels, guides of the Light), ask for clarity when truth seems fuzzy. Meditate and/or pray on it.
Say a simple prayer or set an intention: “Please show me what’s real, and reveal any deception.” Then pay attention to signs, timing, gut feelings, or synchronicities. Truth has a way of surfacing when you’re spiritually open and mentally alert.
When you stay grounded in both logic and Light, you begin to see things as they are, not only as they appear.
Also, it’s much easier to perceive things clearly when you clear and protect your energy.
10. Stay Curious, Not Cynical
You can question deeply and still have faith, be kind, and love people. Being wise doesn’t mean being a jerk, but being awake.
11. Don’t Outsource Your Thinking
This is the ultimate rule: think for yourself. Get opinions from your favorite journalist, podcaster, writer, doctor, politician, spiritual teacher, influencer, or friend, but don’t let them do your thinking for you.
Take in information, weigh it, sense it, research it, and come to your own conclusion. That’s wisdom.
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Copyright © 2025 Stephen Petullo
Image by GraphicMama-team from Pixabay
