True Freedom: Independent Thought.

What is the best way to actually become an “independent thinker?”

If you need to go to a mountaintop to think independently, you’re probably doing it wrong.

I love this question. I hear it every once in a while, and it never gets old.

I love the fact that it is about thinking, it’s about your state of being.

However, no one wants to be (and no one wants you to be) “that person” — the one who thinks they’re above and beyond everyone else simply because they’re different, or always doubting and confronting others. Don’t be that person. Be you, but be independent of other influences.

It’s a personal thing

Let’s lay to the side a couple incorrect assumptions:

To be independent does not mean to be alone.

To be independent does not mean to be unique.

To be independent does not mean to disagree.

To be independent means YOU are in control of YOU.

The great thing with independence is that it’s a personal thing. Independent people also know while they are interdependent, that they are also (usually) a part of a team. That what they do has impact and influence on others for good and for bad. But knowing and feeling your independence is your own journey; inside the battleground of your own mind nobody can help you but yourself.

To answer my own question right up front, to be independent is to question everything, not necessarily out loud, but question the assumptions, question the conclusion. Question the question.

Think critically, but don’t be critical, don’t become that “negative person.” When something is said, develop the instinct to start asking questions, whether internally or publicly. Why would they say that? What is the data and the emotion that surrounds that statement? Is it accurate?

If your observations aligned with those observations and therefore that conclusion, does this premise and that premise align with that conclusion? If yes, then great. You validated that comment independently. If they don’t, then start asking questions to help you understand this point or that point.

In the end you might end up agreeing with an argument anyway, just as you would have if you hadn’t asked questions. But now you are prepared to defend that position, you can make additional educated guesses and informed decisions in your business or personal life. But most importantly: you know you were thinking independently.

Yes, this is what independent thought feels like.

You were steering your thoughts, not somebody else.

Honest people who are being asked these questions will receive them well, because your interest is genuine in trying to find a better solution. You are trying to understand rather than trying to attack or undermine. And any good argument, any solid data will be able to withstand any number of questions.

That is what an independent person does, they think critically, they ask and analyze using good questions — many times privately and internally hence the word: thinking. This allows them to come to their own conclusion based on the available data and surroundings that support and sustain the premise of the direction that they are heading.

Questions are the key to independence

Question everything, and I mean everything. We are human, and humans second-guess, they doubt, they get confused and lost. If you find yourself lost, my suggestion is to doubt your doubts.

The difference between normal thinkers and independent thinkers is that when independent people begin to have doubts, they don’t immediately latch onto those doubts and assume that their current direction is wrong. The independent thinker looks at their doubts critically and moves on from them, whether they’re right or wrong.

We’ve all been here. Surrounded by doubts. Like I said, to be independent is not to be unique.

It’s no different than debating with someone who tells you your position is wrong. Only this time your opponent is yourself, and you’re equally matched. Hopefully you know how to debate your inner monologue!

Be careful that you aren’t that critic or the person that is always negative. That’s a sure and quick path into discouragement and loneliness.

Learn to stand on your own reasonings, learn to stand by yourself against those who would tear you down. You’re not always going to have Google or wikipedia to defend yourself.

The next step is to rely on the interdependency of the members of your team uncover and resolve together the doubts and concerns you all have. If you are a good leader, or a good team member, then everyone would be thinking independently and eventually arrive at correct, though different, solutions.

That method of leadership is a topic unto itself, but definitely something worth exploring to the aspiring free-thinker.

Please start thinking like a independent person. The only consequence is a more fulfilling life, a positive outlook on the world; you’ll be happier as a result, and if you’re like me, you’ll enjoy work more while getting more done!

Aaron Webber is a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Webber Investments LLC, as well as a Managing Partner at Madison Wall Agencies.

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