Critical thinking isn’t just for essays and experiments – why not try using it on yourself, kindly?
In STEAM, we’re taught to question everything: test hypotheses, check data, and look for bias. But how often do we apply that same critical thinking to ourselves?
Self-reflection isn’t about picking yourself apart. It’s about looking honestly at the evidence, so you can see what’s really working, what isn’t, and what to do next. On our Student To Stemettes mentoring programme, mentors and mentees practise exactly this. Here’s how you can too.
Question the story you tell yourself
When you receive feedback that’s hard to hear, your brain probably loves to tell you things like “This is all my fault” or “I just can’t do it.” However, a critical thinker asks whether that’s actually true. Feedback from a boss, colleague, or supervisor usually points to one specific thing you can improve, but it isn’t proof that you can’t do it. Think back to a time you failed or got tough feedback. What did the evidence really say, and what did you take from it? If you can, ask a mentor or someone you trust how they handle criticism and bounce back. Hearing how someone else does it can help you work out your own approach.
Balance your data with two stars and a wish
Good self-reflection looks at the whole picture, not just the errors. Pick something you did recently, like a presentation, a coding project, or an assignment and make a note of:
- Two stars: what went well, and why
- One wish: one thing to improve next time
The ratio matters. Spotting your strengths is just as rigorous as spotting your gaps, and far more useful than only counting mistakes.
Run a SWOT analysis on yourself
Businesses use SWOT to make smart decisions, and you can use it too. Draw a grid and fill in:
- Strengths: what are you good at?
- Weaknesses: what do you struggle with?
- Opportunities: what could you take advantage of?
- Threats: what could derail your plans?
Then challenge your answers. Are those weaknesses permanent, or just skills you haven’t built yet? Are the threats within your control? What’s one step you could take this week?
The Takeaway
Thinking critically about yourself doesn’t mean being harsh, as the most successful people review their work with curiosity, not cruelty. Try gathering the evidence, reflecting honestly, adjusting, and going again!
