I Asked ChatGPT How to Become a Better Thinker—Here Are the 10 Exercises It Taught Me

These 10 exercises help you strengthen your thinking skills, improve decision-making, and approach problems more effectively.

Sophia Zapanta
November 5, 2025
3 min read

I Asked ChatGPT How to Become a Better Thinker—Here Are the 10 Exercises It Taught Me — Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels

Strong thinking skills are key to solving problems and making smart choices. This guide shares 10 exercises that train your mind to analyze, question, and reason better. Practicing these exercises consistently can make you more confident, creative, and strategic in everyday life.

1. 1. Question Assumptions

Start by noticing assumptions you make automatically. Ask yourself whether they are based on facts or habits. Challenging assumptions opens your mind to new perspectives. Over time, this exercise improves clarity and objectivity.

2. 2. Practice Mental Mapping

Visualize ideas, problems, or decisions using diagrams or mind maps. Organizing information visually helps identify connections and patterns. Mental mapping enhances memory and understanding. It trains your brain to see bigger pictures without missing details.

3. 3. Engage in Daily Reflection

Set aside a few minutes to reflect on your thoughts and decisions each day. Consider what went well and what could be improved. Reflection sharpens self-awareness and reasoning skills. Regular practice deepens critical thinking over time.

4. 4. Solve Puzzles

Work on logic puzzles, riddles, or strategy games. These activities challenge your brain to find solutions systematically. Problem-solving exercises strengthen analytical thinking. They also make mental flexibility more natural and instinctive.

5. 5. Read Thoughtfully

Read diverse material and ask questions about it. Analyze arguments, evidence, and different viewpoints. Thoughtful reading expands knowledge and perspective. It trains your mind to evaluate information critically.

6. 6. Debate Ideas

Engage in friendly debates or discussions. Practice defending your ideas while considering opposing views. Debating strengthens reasoning and communication skills. It encourages openness to alternative solutions.

7. 7. Write to Clarify Thinking

Journaling or note-taking helps organize thoughts clearly. Writing forces you to articulate reasoning and examine logic. Regular writing improves decision-making and problem-solving. It also highlights gaps in understanding that need attention.

8. 8. Limit Mental Shortcuts

Avoid rushing to conclusions or relying solely on intuition. Take time to analyze evidence and consider alternatives. Slowing down your thinking reduces errors and bias. Mindful decision-making becomes more consistent and accurate.

9. 9. Explore New Perspectives

Step outside your usual environment or routine to see problems differently. Ask others for input or consider unfamiliar viewpoints. Exposure to diversity strengthens cognitive flexibility. New perspectives inspire creative solutions.

10. 10. Practice Mindfulness

Focus on being present and observing thoughts without judgment. Mindfulness improves concentration and emotional regulation. A calm, attentive mind processes information more effectively. Regular practice enhances clarity and rational thinking.