8 Ways To Develop Metacognitive Skills
Personal Development Through Cognitive Skills
Personal development doesn’t always come from coaching, mentorship, or formal training. While these learning methods are valuable, not having them shouldn’t stop us from improving as there are many things that can be self-taught or directed.
Especially when it involves our cognitive skills, or how we think, reason, and remember things.
The beauty of developing our cognitive skills is that it can be done “on the job” each day, at home, or in our workplaces. We can experiment with these skills in areas where we may or may not already have a high degree of confidence or competency.
Aligned with the attached graphic, [thank you Inner Drive UK] here are eight simple ways we can improve our cognitive abilities:
1] When we acknowledge that there’s always room to learn and grow, we cultivate positive thinking. By leveraging our strengths and addressing our weaknesses, we embrace the need to stay open, curious, and proactive in our efforts.
2] Goal setting is often underrated; without clear, written goals, progress stalls. If you haven’t set goals, you’re likely underachieving. Begin with goals that align with your company’s interests, then work with your manager on goals to develop your skills.
3] Prepare for your daily work instead of sleepwalking through it. Relying solely on what you know limits growth. Preparation is about anticipating and being ready for what happens—it doesn’t have to be time-consuming.
4] Don’t fear feedback; treat it as a gift and appreciate those who offer it. While not all feedback must be acted upon, consider it carefully and make decisions based on all the information you have.
5] Monitoring, measuring, and tracking progress will make you a smarter and more effective leader. By identifying real-time performance indicators, you can recognize when to adjust or take action to stay on the right path.
6] Always seek input from others—on your performance and important decisions. Tapping into others’ wisdom and experience helps minimize risks and potential mistakes when making decisions on your own.
7] Keep a diary or journal. Nothing will clarify your thoughts and actions better than writing them down and consistently reviewing them. This becomes a superpower when you practice and continually reflect on your actions and why you took them.
8] Asking good questions is essential. It engages others, prompting them to reflect on their actions and reasons. It shows you value their perspectives and recognize the importance of their input in any process.
Anyone can take these steps and develop themselves for a brighter future.