Draw your way to a better decision

Critical thinking is a great—perhaps a tad underutilised—skill.

It's worth remembering that thinking isn't limited to internal monologuing and mind experiments.

For example, we can think through an issue by writing and drawing.

When I say drawing I'm not referring to paintings, but rather scribbles that can help us understand the matter at hand better.

See a recent example of mine:

Above wasn't an exercise in abstract art, but an attempt to better understand a concept and its underlying issue.

(Note: The shapes and arrows had text, but I removed them before sharing.)

By visualising relationships between the elements I was able to identify what was confusing me, ultimately finding a way forward.

Next time you struggle with an issue or decision try to draw it.

Who knows what might you learn?

P.S. If you really want to see examples with better illustrations, you can head here:

Bruno Pešec: The power of visual thinking - Planet Lean
How does visual thinking practically help an organization? The author discusses three different ways in which it can be used to benefit a business.

P.P.S. And if you wish to put in the work to improve your decision making capabilities I suggest you start with this piece:

Improve your thinking to avert bad decisions
Four simple steps for improving your decision making skills.