| How to Do Card Tricks Posted: 29 Nov 2018 04:00 PM PST Pick a card, any card! Choosing a random card from a deck might be one of the most popular tricks in the book, but there are a few others that will wow an audience. And you don't have to be a master magician to ace them, either. Try selecting cards that add up to certain number without looking, or pulling a card out of thin air for an extra impressive trick. EditPicking a Card with the Color Trick - Sort a deck of cards by color and put the black half on top of the red half. It doesn't matter what order the suits or numbers are in. Stack the cards neatly in 1 pile, so that all of the black cards are at the top of the deck and all of the red cards are at the bottom.[1]
- You can also put the red half on top of the black half. Whichever way you choose, make sure you remember which color is on top.
- Set this up before your audience is there. Otherwise, they'll know how the trick is done!
- Fan out the cards face down and ask your audience to pick a card. When you hold the cards out, remember which side of the deck is your red cards and which is black. Tell your audience that they can choose any card in the deck.[2]
- If you fan the cards to the right, then the black cards will be the right half of the deck if they were originally the cards you put on top.
- Observe which half of the deck your audience pulls a card from. This is key to making the trick work. You want to know what color the audience's card is so you can find it later.[3]
- For example, if the red cards are on the left half of your fanned-out deck, then you know your audience chose a red card if they pull from the left side.
- If you notice that your audience member is reaching for the middle, subtly shift your hand so they take 1 from the left or right instead. If they pick a card from the center, you might not be able to tell what color it is.
- Ask the audience to look at the card while keeping it hidden from you. Showing you the card defeats the purpose of the whole trick. You can even close your eyes or look away to ensure you don't see it.[4]
- If they accidentally do reveal the card, start the trick over.
- Split the deck and have them set the card in the half that's the other color. If your audience member chose a red card, pull the deck apart in the black section and ask them to place the card there. This ensures you'll be able to locate the card in the deck.[5]
- Don't put the card back in the deck yourself. Otherwise, your audience might accuse you of rigging the trick.
- Keep all of the cards face down the entire time.
- Look at the cards to find theirs, which will be the 1 opposite-colored card. For example, if they picked a red card, their card should now be the only red card in the black half. If they selected a black card, it will be the black card among all the red cards.[6]
- If you don't see an opposite-colored card in the deck, you've messed up the trick somewhere along the line. Ask your audience if you can try again.
- You can say something like, "Hmm it looks like you have your own magical powers, and the card has completely disappeared! Try picking another one, but only touch it with 2 fingers so your magic doesn't rub off on it again."
- Hold the cards so only you can see them while you look for the card. You don't want the audience to see that you've split the deck by color.
- Reveal the card to your audience. To finish the trick, hold up the audience's chosen card or lay it down on the table so they can see it. Ask them to confirm that the trick worked, by saying something like, "Is this your card?"[7]
- You can even add a "ta-da!" for extra flourish.
- To repeat the trick, reorganize the cards so they're separated by color again.
EditTrying the Binary Card Trick - Put an ace, 2, 4, and 8 card on the top of the deck. Keep them in that order. The ace will represent 1 for this trick and will be the very top card on your pile. The cards can be any suit or color.[8]
- Do this before your audience arrives.
- The rest of the deck can be in any order. Avoid shuffling after you put the cards on top, though, so you don't mess them up.
- Slide the deck of cards into your pocket. Be careful not to jumble the cards as you put them in your pocket. You want the ace, 2, 4, and 8 to stay on top. Remember which side of the deck is the top when you hide the cards.[9]
- If you don't have a pocket, hold the cards under a table or anywhere hidden where the audience can't see them.
- Ask your audience to pick a number between 1 and 15. They can choose 15, but it can't be any number larger than that. Have them tell you their number out loud. [10]
- You can have them write down the number on a piece of paper, too, if you need a visual.
- Calculate in your head how to get their number using 1, 2, 4, and 8. Every number between 1 and 15 can be formed by adding up some or all of the 4 top cards in your pocket. The collection of numbers that sum up to the number your audience gave you is known as its binary decomposition.[11]
- Instead of trying to add different numbers using trial and error, start by subtracting the largest of your 4 cards from the audience's number. Then subtract the next largest number and so on, until you reach 0.
- Don't use a calculator or paper to do your calculation. You have to do it mentally for the trick to be impressive.
- Pull out the cards that add up to that number without looking. You should know where each card is because you set them on the deck in the order of 1 (ace), 2, 4, and 8. Carefully remove the correct cards.[12]
- For example, if the number is 10, you'll need the 8 and 2. The 2 is the 2nd card in your deck and the 8 is the 4th.
- If you accidentally pull out the wrong cards, you'll ruin the trick.
- Show the cards to your audience. Once you pull out the cards, arrange them in your hand so that the numbers are visible. Then flip them around so your audience can see them. Explain that the numbers add up to their chosen number.[13]
- You can also lay the cards out on a table or simply hand the cards to your audience.
- If you want to repeat the trick, make sure you put the cards back into your pocket in the correct order.
EditPulling a Card out of Thin Air - Hold 1 in the palm of your hand. Make sure you can't see any edges or corners of the card when you flip your hand over. Place 1 corner of the card against the top of your pinky finger and the opposite corner on your thumb pad.[14]
- You may need to slightly curve the card into your hand to rest in your palm.
- The card can be either face down or face up in your hand.
- Don't grip too tightly or curl your hand inward too much. Keep it as outstretched as possible.
- Bow the card out by pressing down with your pinky finger. This will cause the card to arch out away from your hand. Flex your palm slightly outward while you push down with your little finger so the card curves out instead of in.[15]
- Press gently with your pinky. If you use too much pressure, the card will snap out of your hand.
- Place your thumb behind the card and rest your index finger on 1 corner. This sets you up to be able to catch the card. Move your thumb so it's sitting just behind the arch of the card. Curve the top of your index finger down slightly until it touches the top corner of the card.[16]
- The more you practice this position, the faster your muscles will commit it to memory.
- Only your pinky finger, thumb pad, index finger, and thumb should be touching the card in this position.
- Flick the card upward, catching it between your thumb and forefinger. Push up against the back of the card with your thumb. As the card flips upwards, pinch your thumb and index finger together quickly to snatch the corner.[17]
- Open up the rest of your fingers after you flick up the card to enhance the illusion that you pulled it out of thin air.
- This will take a lot of practice, so be patient!
- As you get more comfortable with the movements, work on speeding it up so it looks more realistic.
- Practice your card tricks before you perform them for other people.
- Break in a new deck of cards before you do your tricks. New cards tend to stick together which can mess you up.
- Always remove the jokers first.
- Never tell your audience how you did the trick. Keep it a secret!
- Make sure the cards are not bent or have a scratch in any way which might be suspicious to the audience.
- Make sure the cards are not bent or scratched in any way, so as not to raise the audience's suspicions.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Hang an Ironing Board Posted: 29 Nov 2018 08:00 AM PST For people who like to have an organized and clutter-free home, bulky ironing boards sure can take up a lot of space. There are lots of ways to hang an ironing board. With a few simple products and DIY options, you can declutter your home and make that ironing board out of sight and out of mind! The over-the-door method offers a variety of options and is great for most ironing board shapes. The DIY coat hook wall mount is best for ironing boards with a T-shaped base. EditHanging an Ironing Board Over a Door - Find a door to hang your ironing board. An ideal door would be one located in your laundry room or near your laundry facilities. Hanging your ironing board in this area of your home helps you stay organized by keeping your ironing board close to other laundry items. If you don't have a laundry facility in your home, consider a place where you keep your laundry items, such as a closet that stores your detergent, laundry basket, etc.
- When hanging an ironing board over a door, the board can hang on either side. However, hanging the ironing board behind a door will present a more organized look as the board remains out of sight.
- While the over-the-door hanging method is one of the best ways to store your ironing board, there are many creative options out there. [1]
- Ensure the board will fit on the back of the chosen door. Measure your ironing board by width and length and compare it to the dimensions of the door. Another helpful way to consider measurements is simply holding up the ironing board to the door. Next, measure the width of the top of your door. This is very important for the over-the-door method. Keep this measurement in mind as you shop for your ironing board hanger. You don't want to buy a bracket hanger that won't fit your door.
- The measurements for a full size ironing board is usually between and . [2]
- While most ironing board hangers should fit standard door frames, it is possible for some older homes to have unique doors with different measurements.
- Buy a hanger with 2 hooks for a board with a T-shaped base. There are many versions of this type of hanger and prices range from anywhere from $8 to $40. These types of hangers come in metal and plastic varieties. So choose according to your budget and taste.[3]
- Many over the door ironing board hangers also include a space to store your iron. Keep an eye out for these products, and be mindful of the size and shape of your iron, too.
- Choose bendable hooks for a board with a U- or V-shaped base. Since these types of boards are slightly more difficult to hang, it is smart to buy a hanger with bendable hooks. This feature enables you to shape the hooks so that the ironing board fits securely.
- If you have a smaller, table top ironing board, you will also have to take the shape into consideration.
- Place the ironing board hanger over the door. Once you have purchased your hanger, follow the instructions carefully. Most products have a bracket system and easy installation requirements that do not require tools or assembly. Affix your hanger on a side of the door that will create less clutter according to your home needs. [4]
- One downside to this hanging method is that the bracket of the hanger will be visible.
- Hang your ironing board on the hanger. For T-shaped boards, place your ironing board on the hanger by laying each side of the base onto the hooks. These types of hangers will normally involve a double-hook system. So each side of the base should fit perfectly. For V-shaped and U-shaped boards, you will need to adjust the movable hooks and hang the board feet accordingly. Make sure that the feet are secure and will not slide off of the hooks.
- The best way to hang an ironing board is with the pointed end at the top. The wider end will likely be heavier, and you want to make sure that this end is at the bottom. Make sure that your board is secure to keep it from falling as you open and close the door.
- If you purchase a hanger with a space to store your iron and other accessories, make sure that your iron and accessories are also secure and neatly placed.
- Always wrap the cord of your iron neatly around the iron itself or tied together. You never want a loose cord hanging from the door.
EditInstalling an Ironing Board Wall Mount with Coat Hooks - Choose a load-bearing wall to hang the ironing board. When choosing the wall for your ironing board mount, it is important to make sure that you choose wall that will support a standard ironing board. You can do this by searching for structural clues, such as nearby beams and floor joists that are being used to support the structures of your home.
- You can also locate a stud in the wall by using an electronic stud finder and by using other structural clues, such as visible beams and pillars. You can also tap the wall for hollow sounds, which indicate a beam is not present where you tapped. If a beam is present behind the wall, you will notice a dense sound. Most stud finders are used by sliding the tool across the wall's flat surface. The tool should alert you when there is a study by flashing a light or beeping.[5]
- Make sure to select a wall that will accommodate your ironing board and will not cause too much clutter.
- Confirm that the board will fit your chosen wall. Make sure to measure your ironing board by width and length. Next, measure the wall space that you have chosen for your wall mount. While most walls will accommodate an ironing board, it is helpful to visualize how the board will hang and helpful to center it on the wall. By taking these precautions and measurements, you will ensure that there is enough space and that the ironing board will look straight and tidy.
- Remember that a standard ironing board is approximately . But some boards may exceed this size. Additionally, older boards may weigh more than newer boards, because they could be made of stronger material.[6]
- As you take measurements and play around with positions of the ironing board on the wall, it is helpful to take photos of the different positions. These photos will be help you remember which positions worked best for the space.
- Mark the wall where the top ironing board base will rest. Once you have decided where the ironing board will hang, ask someone to hold the board exactly in this position. Next, take your pencil and measure and mark where the base (T-shaped) will rest and where the coat hooks will best be situated.
- You want to make sure that the marking for the hooks are evenly spaced and level. As you make your markings, you can also draw a line between each coat hook point. Use your level, either bubble or electronic, and a ruler to make sure that the line between each coat hook point is level. [7]
- After you have made these markings, it is useful to position the ironing board again in reference to these markings. This is a good way to double check your measurements and also see how the board will rest on the wall.
- Another good way to mark the level line between the two coat hook points is to use painter's tape to mark the line. By doing this, you can easily remove the tape once you are finished without leaving marks on the wall.
- Choose your coat hooks. New or re-purposed coat hooks work great. But make sure to use metal hooks rather than plastic hooks. Whether your coat hooks are new or re-purposed, they need to be able to hold the weight of your ironing board. Plastic hooks, which are made to hang clothing, will not be strong enough.
- When choosing your coat hooks, be creative choosing colors and styles that reflect your own home style. While these fixtures are small and for the purpose of an ironing board, have fun!
- Install the coat hooks. Now that you have marked the points where the hooks will rest, you are ready to install your DIY ironing board wall mount. Your best option is to use a power drill to drill the hooks into the wall. Using a drill bit that is designed for screw heads, drill each hook into the place where you have marked. This method is best used for standard screws.[8]Remember, these markings should have already been measured out in the previous step. Install the hooks neatly, and make sure that the screws go in completely.
- Most store-bought coat hooks are going to have screws included. But if you are using re-purposed or antique hooks, make sure to purchase the correct screws. These screws should be long and sturdy.
- Consider using finishing screws and wall anchors to provide more stability, especially since ironing boards can be heavy. Finishing screws and anchors are easy to use and don't require a power drill. You simply use a screwdriver to screw the anchor into the wall. Then, you drive the included screw into the anchor, which will expand and lock into the wall. [9]
- Hang your ironing board on the installed hooks. Once you have drilled your coat hooks into the wall and made sure that they are secure, hang your ironing board on the hooks. Be careful to hang the board with an even weight distribution. Make sure that the board is secure.
- The DIY method with coat hooks is best used for T-shaped base ironing boards. While some V-shaped boards have a bar in between the legs, which could be used with coat hooks, many don't and would not rest well on coat hooks.
- When purchasing ironing board accessories and apparatuses, it is always smart to shop around. Chain stores are always a good source for these products, but there are many online stores that sell these products and offer deals, as well.
- If you rent an apartment without a laundry room, the over the door hanger is a perfect option, as you might already be limited with space. This option is also great for college dorms and smaller living spaces.
- In addition to the hanging methods above, there are other options for ironing board storage, such as cabinets. There are a variety of pre-made ironing board cabinets on the market, but the costs can quickly soar. The good news is that there are DIY options for building cabinets out of re-purposed wood and other materials. However, keep in mind that most of these cabinets will have a smaller board that will need to be purchased or constructed. [10]
- As with any home improvement projects, safety comes first. Use tools properly, and take precaution when using tools and installing wall mounts and other objects. For larger projects that involve sawing and cutting wood, always use safety glasses.
- Always have someone else present while measuring the ironing board to the wall or the door, as well as when you are mounting and installing larger ironing board apparatuses.
EditThings You'll Need EditHanging an Ironing Board Over a Door EditInstalling an Ironing Board Wall Mount with Coat Hooks - 2 coat hooks (new or re-purposed)
- Tape measure or ruler
- 1 level
- Pencil
- Power drill
- Screwdriver (Phillips head or flathead depending on the coat hooks)
- Finishing screws (optional)
- Wall anchors (optional)
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Think Clearly Posted: 29 Nov 2018 12:00 AM PST Thinking clearly can be a challenge for everyone at times, and it's even harder when you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and tired. If you're feeling unfocused or overwhelmed, take a moment to relax, get your thoughts in order, and deal with distractions in your environment. In the long term, keeping your body and brain healthy is an important part of clearing your mind and getting your thinking on track. Minimizing distractions and staying organized can also help. Finally, keep your brain sharp by thinking critically and doing thought exercises that flex your mental muscles. EditClearing Your Mind in the Moment - Take a moment to breathe. If you find yourself anxious, distracted, or unable to focus, stop what you are doing and take a few deep, slow breaths. Breathe in through your nostrils, then breathe out slowly through your mouth or nose.[1]
- If you can, sit or lie down in a quiet, comfortable place for a few minutes while you do this. Close your eyes and try to concentrate on the sensations of your breathing.
- Deep breathing sends more oxygen to your brain and signals your mind and body to relax. This can calm your racing thoughts and make it easier to focus.
- Deal with your physical needs if you can. It's hard to concentrate and think clearly if you're physically uncomfortable. Take a moment to mindfully assess how you're feeling. Close your eyes and make note of any sensations you are experiencing, and do whatever you can to make yourself feel more comfortable. For example:
- If you realize that you feel hungry, take a break and have a nutritious snack.
- If your muscles feel tense, do some stretches.
- If you're cold, turn up the thermostat or put on a sweater.
- Move to a quiet space if you have to. Stop and listen to the noise in your environment for a moment. If there's a lot of background noise (like people talking, a TV or radio playing, or traffic sounds), then this might be stressing you out and making it harder for you to focus.[2] If you can, go someplace quieter so that you can concentrate on your thoughts.
- If you can't move to a quieter space, you might be able to do things to make your environment less noisy. For example, you could close a window or door that's letting in noise, turn on a fan or other source of white noise, or listen to quiet music over headphones.
- Make a to-do list. Writing down what you need to do can help you organize your thoughts and develop a clear plan of action. Think about the steps you need to take to complete the task at hand, and write them down. If you're having trouble focusing because of all the other tasks you need to do, write a more general list for the whole day.
- To-do lists not only serve as a guide for your thoughts and actions, but also help you focus by taking your mind off of incomplete jobs that are worrying you and making it hard to concentrate on what you're doing now.[3]
- Make sure to keep your list specific and realistic.[4] Instead of putting something big and vague on your list like "Clean the house," use smaller and more immediately attainable goals like "Wash the dishes" and "Vacuum the living room."
- Try to put the most important or urgent items at the top of your list.
- Write down your thoughts and feelings. If you're stressing out or dwelling on things, it can interrupt the flow of your thoughts and make it hard to think clearly. Take a few minutes to jot down what you're thinking and feeling in a journal, in a computer document, or even on a piece of scratch paper. Getting your thoughts and emotions down on paper can make them feel less overwhelming and help you understand them better.[5]
- Writing down what you're thinking about can help you identify what specific things are worrying or stressing you. This can also be an opportunity to brainstorm immediate actions you can take to put your mind at ease.
- Even if you can't address whatever's bothering you right now, writing it down can help get it off your mind for a bit so you can concentrate better on the task at hand.
EditAdopting Healthy Habits - Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, or 8 to 10 if you're a teen. Practice good sleeping habits to keep yourself at your sharpest. Being well-rested helps you stay alert and focused. Additionally, your brain synthesizes information that you picked up during the day while you sleep, so a good night's rest will help you learn and remember things more effectively.[6] To sleep better, make sure you:
- Establish a regular bedtime routine. Go to sleep and wake up at the same times each day if you can.
- Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and comfortable at night.
- Avoid using caffeine and other stimulants at least 3 or 4 hours before bedtime.
- Turn off all screens (such as your TV, computer, tablet, or smart phone) at least an hour before you go to bed.
- Spend at least half an hour unwinding before you go to bed. You might take a hot bath or shower, do some stretches, or read a bit of a relaxing book.
- Eat foods that nourish your brain. Choose a diet that is varied and rich in healthy fats, green vegetables, dietary fiber, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates. These nutrients will not only give you the energy you need to stay alert, but can also improve the health and function of your brain. Try healthy options such as:[7]
- Fatty fish, like salmon and trout.
- Nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, almonds, flax seeds, or chia seeds.
- A variety of vegetables, including leafy greens, legumes (like peas and beans), and colorful vegetables like carrots, radishes, and sweet potatoes.
- A variety of fruits, such as apples (with the skin on), berries, and citrus fruits.
- Healthy carbohydrates, like those found in brown rice, quinoa, and whole-grain bread.
- Use caffeine in moderation. Having a little caffeine—like a cup of tea or coffee with breakfast—can help you feel more alert and focused, and may even be good for your brain's health.[8] Too much, however, can leave you feeling jittery, anxious, and ultimately less focused and clear-headed. It can also make it harder for you to get a good night's sleep.[9]
- While most people have trouble thinking clearly after about 6 cups of coffee, people who are sensitive to caffeine may experience ill effects after drinking just 1 cup. Get to know your own limits, and use caution and common sense when drinking caffeine.
- Do 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. This means exercise that is active enough that you might break a sweat or start breathing a little faster. For example, you might try walking at a brisk pace for half an hour, 5 days a week. This kind of exercise can stimulate blood flow to your brain, improve your memory function, and reduce stress and anxiety—all of which lead to clearer thinking.[10]
- Other good forms of exercise include swimming, biking, dancing, and playing sports like tennis or squash. Doing household chores that work up a sweat, like mowing the lawn or mopping the floor, also count.
- If you aren't used to exercising, work up to your goal of 150 minutes a week gradually. For example, you might start by walking just 5 or 10 minutes each day, then gradually increasing the amount of time by another 5 to 10 minutes a week.
- Even a few minutes of exercise now and then can help you clear your head and feel more energized.
EditStaying Focused and Organized - Use a planner or app to organize your time. Get a paper planner or use an app like Clear or Google Calendar to schedule specific times to do the things you need to do. When you're busy, having a bunch of unresolved tasks and obligations looming over you can make it hard to think straight. Keeping your time organized and having a plan for approaching each task will help you think more clearly and feel less overwhelmed.[11]
- In addition to setting aside time for specific tasks (such as studying or paying your bills), make sure you also account for obligations that are already part of your schedule (such as going to work or classes).
- Set aside time for fun stuff, too! Scheduling a little relaxation or leisure time into your day can also help you feel less stressed and, therefore, think more clearly. Even 15 minutes of downtime here and there can help.
- Break big tasks down into manageable pieces. If a big job feels insurmountable and you're not sure where to start, try pulling it apart into bite-sized chunks. Having a few small tasks to do instead of one huge one can give you more focus and help you see what you need to do more clearly.[12]
- For example, if you're studying for a language exam, you're unlikely to absorb much by trying to cram all the information from the last 3 chapters of the textbook into your brain at once. Try starting with something specific, like a review of past-tense verb forms.
- Limit your access to digital distractions. If you're trying to focus on a task that requires a lot of thought, put away your phone and avoid the temptation to mess around on the internet. These distractions can interrupt the flow of your thinking and make it hard to concentrate.
- If you're having trouble keeping away from distracting websites, try using an app like Freedom to temporarily block your access.[13]
- You can also turn off notifications on your phone if they tend to be distracting.
- Find a quiet and comfortable workspace. Look for a spot where you can sit comfortably and will not be distracted by things like noisy conversations, loud music, or heavy foot traffic. Try to find a space that is well-lit and not too hot or too cold. It's hard to think clearly when you are uncomfortable and distracted.
- If you live or work around other people, let them know that you need undisturbed time to concentrate.
- If you're unable to get away from noise, try getting some noise-canceling headphones and listening to quiet music.
- Keeping your workspace neat and organized can also help you feel more focused and less distracted.[14]
- Take 20-minute breaks from work every 1.5 to 2 hours. Avoid spending too much time on a task at once, or you will soon find your mind wandering and your thoughts going in circles. To keep your thinking sharp and clear, take brief breaks every couple of hours to let your mind and body recuperate.[15]
- You can use these breaks to stretch your legs, eat a healthy snack, or even put your head down for a tiny power nap.
- Use active relaxation techniques. When you take a break from working or thinking about the task at hand, try visualizing a calming scene. You might picture yourself lying on the beach or sitting in a boat in the middle of a peaceful lake. Imagine the sights, sounds, sensations, and smells you might experience during your imaginary vacation, like the feeling of a cool breeze on your skin or the scent of autumn leaves in the air.[16]
- This technique can help you feel more deeply relaxed while also keeping your mind actively engaged. When you return from your mental break, you may find it easier to think clearly and concentrate on what you are doing.
EditBuilding Your Mental Muscles - Practice expressing your thoughts clearly and concisely. You can train your brain to process information more clearly and efficiently by mentally editing the things you say, write, and think. Cut out filler, repetition, and vague words and phrases, and try to rephrase your thoughts as clearly and concretely as possible.[17]
- For example, if you're writing an essay, try writing each sentence briefly and simply. Instead of writing, "In this paper, I will argue that you can maximize your cognitive and neurological potential by consuming healthful, nutritious, and beneficial nutrients," try something like, "Eating nutritious foods can help your brain work better."
- This also applies to things you read or hear. For example, if you read a wordy passage in a book, take a few moments to try to mentally edit it down to 1 or 2 sentences that express the key point(s) of the passage.
- Observe an object for 5 minutes, then write down your thoughts about it. Pick any object and examine it closely for a few minutes. Then, spend about 10 minutes writing down every observation you can think of. Doing this kind of exercise will not only help you become more observant, but will also get you into the habit of clearly expressing—and thinking about—the things you observe.[18]
- Start by writing down your concrete observations. For example, how big is the object? What color is it? What kind of texture(s) does it have?
- Next, start writing down things that the object suggests to you. Does it remind you of anything? Does it evoke a feeling? What uses can you think of for it?
- Question your own beliefs and assumptions. Take time to consider they way you think, feel, and react to things. Ask yourself critical questions, like "Where did this thought or belief come from? Do I have any evidence to support it?" or "Why am I feeling or reacting this way?" Thinking critically about where your thoughts and feelings come from can help you gain self-awareness and clarity of thought.[19]
- For example, maybe you assume that you would not be good at baseball because you believe you are not athletic. Ask yourself where the idea that you are "not athletic" comes from. Is it something somebody told you once? Is it based on an experience you had trying to play a sport earlier in your life? Has anything changed about you or your situation since then?
- Examine information from others critically. In addition to questioning your own beliefs and assumptions, it's important to look at information you get from outside sources with a critical eye. Before you accept something you read, see in the news or online, or hear from another person—even if they seem like an authoritative source—consider:[20]
- Does this information make sense?
- Does your source provide any evidence to support this information?
- Are you able to find other credible sources that support this information?
- Is the source obviously biased in any way?
- Challenge yourself by learning new things. Trying new things—especially if they are a bit challenging for you—is a great way to keep your brain sharp and build new mental connections.[21] Get outside your comfort zone and do something you've never done before. For example, you might:
- Take a class in a subject you've never studied before.
- Try a new creative hobby, like painting, sculpting, or writing.
- Challenge yourself with a DIY building or home improvement project.
- Study a foreign language.
- Learn a new game or sport.
EditSources and Citations __
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