Thinking is the foundation of everything we do and, for most of us that foundation has many cracks. Here are 10 ideas to consider in 2026. These ideas are not for everyone, but useful for some.
I’m watching the movie “Ford versus Ferrari” on Netflix. There is a scene where the executives at Ford Motor Company are having a meeting. The goal of the meeting is to discuss ideas as it looks like Ford sales have been slumping sales for the last three years. The marketing executive is leading the meeting. One guy asks why they should listen to the marketing executive ideas. The marketing executive says Ford needs to think differently. They need to think like Ferrari.
I was immediately reminded of your post when the marketing executive mentions the core problem was around “thinking”.
I am trying to understand the downfall of Point#6, what's wrong with analogy if its helps to put your point across in larger forum. Analogies i think is making things simpler and relevant to audience and connecting your point with something we all see everyday around us.
This is full of gems of ideas. But this last one - “We explain everything by what is visible, sophisticated, and recent, while the truth is found in what’s invisible, inscrutable, and predetermined. This is our most fundamental cognitive bias.” - is just brilliant and packs the gist of timeless oriental wisdom in a few words.
I’m curious about your assessment from experience: do most people genuinely not realize that disciplined thinking is the primary driver of correct decisions and outcomes, or do they know it but still outsource it subconsciously?
I’d argue this is because of our emotions (back to #3). We stop thinking when we feel validated, or keep thinking when we feel uncomfortable / seeking different answers that justify our feelings.
Thought provoking, Shreyas. I have seen the biggest mistakes come from smart people rushing to sound right, while the quiet wins came from those who slowed down and questioned their own thinking first.
I’m watching the movie “Ford versus Ferrari” on Netflix. There is a scene where the executives at Ford Motor Company are having a meeting. The goal of the meeting is to discuss ideas as it looks like Ford sales have been slumping sales for the last three years. The marketing executive is leading the meeting. One guy asks why they should listen to the marketing executive ideas. The marketing executive says Ford needs to think differently. They need to think like Ferrari.
I was immediately reminded of your post when the marketing executive mentions the core problem was around “thinking”.
Deeply grateful for this list, Shreyas. Thank you for consistently raising the bar for how we approach the craft!
Thanks! Shreyas these are gems
Read this nodding my head the whole time. You are painfully right about every one.
I am trying to understand the downfall of Point#6, what's wrong with analogy if its helps to put your point across in larger forum. Analogies i think is making things simpler and relevant to audience and connecting your point with something we all see everyday around us.
It isn’t saying “don’t use analogies to communicate”.
Thought provoking ideas. As always. Thanks Shreyas!
This is full of gems of ideas. But this last one - “We explain everything by what is visible, sophisticated, and recent, while the truth is found in what’s invisible, inscrutable, and predetermined. This is our most fundamental cognitive bias.” - is just brilliant and packs the gist of timeless oriental wisdom in a few words.
Hey Shreyas,
I’m curious about your assessment from experience: do most people genuinely not realize that disciplined thinking is the primary driver of correct decisions and outcomes, or do they know it but still outsource it subconsciously?
They know it but don’t practice as though it is true and they assume their own thinking abilities are excellent.
I’d argue this is because of our emotions (back to #3). We stop thinking when we feel validated, or keep thinking when we feel uncomfortable / seeking different answers that justify our feelings.
Indeed. Very thoughtful.
Great reads. My learning: https://glasp.co/kei/p/370bcee523bd79fe4f63
Thought provoking, Shreyas. I have seen the biggest mistakes come from smart people rushing to sound right, while the quiet wins came from those who slowed down and questioned their own thinking first.
Sounds smart
I laughed out loud at the comment about logic being about art! I needed that! Here's your hat, 2025; don't let the door bang you on the way out.