Unlock Your Critical Thinking Superpower

Written by: Sandi MacCalla – Founder, LifeSkills Academy – 3/10/2025

Have you ever been fooled by a too-good-to-be-true deal, fallen for a clickbait headline, or found yourself in an argument that made zero sense? If so, congratulations—you’re one of us! Here’s the good news: there’s a way to outsmart these everyday traps: critical thinking and it’s about to become your new best friend.

What is Critical Thinking, Anyway?

• At its core, critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between ideas.
  
  
• It’s not about being cynical or overly skeptical.
  
  
• It’s about being an independent thinker who doesn’t take things at face value.
  • It’s questioning, analyzing, and making informed decisions rather than reacting emotionally or impulsively. In short, it’s your brain’s version of lifting weights at the gym.

Everyday Ways to Use Critical Thinking

Now that we know what it is, let’s put it to work! Here are some simple, practical ways to flex your critical thinking muscles daily:

• Before sharing that “shocking” news article – Ask yourself: Is this from a reliable source? What’s the evidence? Are they just trying to get clicks?
  
  
• When shopping online – Don’t just trust reviews; check who wrote them, see if the seller is legit, and compare similar products.
  
  
• Check the reviews – especially the ones with low scores.
  
  
• When making big decisions – Whether it’s a new job, a car purchase, or a major life choice, weigh the pros and cons, consider alternatives, and don’t rush in based on emotions alone.
  
  
• In conversations and debates – Instead of reacting with, “You’re wrong!”, try asking, “What makes you think that?” Listening with an open but discerning mind is a game-changer.
  
  
• Avoiding scams and misinformation – If someone is pressuring you to act fast, it’s likely a red flag. Slow down, investigate, and trust your instincts.

"Slow down and let the Spirit work" ~ Proverbs 16:32

A Step-by-Step Example of Critical Thinking in Action

You see an ad that claims, “Lose 20 pounds in a week with this miracle supplement!” Sounds tempting, right? Before you click “buy,” let’s critically think through it:

1. Identify the claim – The ad says you can lose 20 pounds in a week.
   
   
2. Examine the evidence – Does it provide scientific studies? Is there expert backing? Or just flashy testimonials?
   
   
3. Consider the source – Is this a credible health organization, or is it a random website with no verifiable info?
   
   
4. Look for alternative perspectives – What do doctors or reputable health sites say about such claims? (Spoiler: They’ll likely say it’s nonsense.)
   
   
5. Make an informed decision – Based on the lack of credible evidence and the outrageous claim, you decide to skip the scam and focus on real, sustainable health habits instead.

Learn & Apply: Resources to Strengthen Your Critical Thinking Skills

Want to take your critical thinking game to the next level? Check out these resources:

• The Foundation for Critical Thinking – Many articles, guides, and exercises.
  
  
• Coursera Critical Thinking Courses – Learn from top universities at your own pace.
  
  
• FactCheck.org – Great for verifying political and media claims.
  
  
• The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe Podcast – A fun and engaging way to challenge your thinking.

Inspiring Thoughts to Leave You With

"Too often we... enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought."
~ John F. Kennedy

"Out of the questions of [others] come most of the creative ideas and discoveries."
~ Ellen Langer, Harvard psychology professor

Translation? Don’t just go through life on autopilot—question, analyze, and think for yourself! Critical thinking isn’t just a skill; it’s your superpower. Once you start using it, you’ll never look at the world the same way again.

Now go forth and think critically—you’ve got this!

At LifeSkills Academy, we're dedicated to empowering individuals with crucial life skills. We invite you to explore our classes and join our community of continuous learners. Sign up for newsletters and class notices to stay informed about valuable life skills content. Together, let's build a foundation for success in life and our world.

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Written by: Sandi MacCalla – Founder, LifeSkills Academy – 3/3/2025

Time for a new job? Whether it’s a career change, re-entering the workforce, or your next big opportunity, being organized and using the right strategies makes all the difference. Here’s how to keep it efficient, effective, and stress-free.

1. Set Clear Goals
   • Define what you want. Is it remote work, better benefits, or a leadership role?
     
     
   • Identify industries and companies that pique your interest and align with your values and skills.
     
     
   • Set attainable timelines and expectations to keep your motivation high.
     
     
2. Customize a Tracking System That Works for You
   • Spreadsheets: Create a simple Google Sheets or Excel file to track companies, application dates, job descriptions, interview details, and contacts.
     
     
   • Job Search Apps & Tools: Utilize platforms like Teal, JibberJobber, or Huntr to manage applications and deadlines effortlessly.
     
     
   • Project Management Tools: Organize your job search like a pro with Trello, Asana, ClickUp, or Notion to keep track of progress.
     
     
3. Be Consistent & Treat It Like a Goal (This is a plan to hit a target; not a job!)
   • Dedicate set hours each day or week for job hunting.
     
     
   • Follow a routine to avoid burnout and keep momentum building.
     
     
   • Use tools like Pomofocus to stay productive and take scheduled breaks.
     
     
4. Apply Smart, Not Just Fast
   • Quality over quantity – focus on roles that genuinely align with your skills and career aspirations.
     
     
   • Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application you are keenly interested in.
     
     
   • Use keywords from job descriptions to optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
     
     
   • Get your resume checked with Jobscan to ensure it is ATS-friendly.
     
     
5. Keep a Job Search Journal
   • Document application dates, interview schedules, follow-up reminders, and company insights.
     
     
   • Save job descriptions in case they’re removed before an interview.
     
     
   • Note any feedback received to improve your approach.
     
     
6. Follow Up & Stay Proactive
   • Send a thank-you email within 24 hours after interviews for positions you are genuinely interested in.
     
     
   • if you haven’t heard back, follow up on applications after 1-2 weeks
     
     
   • Connect with hiring managers or recruiters on LinkedIn for additional engagement. Look for points of connection.
     
     
7. Boost Your Networking (I encourage 50% of your job search efforts to be spent networking. It can be the ‘magic’ of your success.)
   • Join LinkedIn groups related to your industry and participate in discussions.
     
     
   • Attend virtual and in-person networking events, webinars, and job fairs.
     
     
   • Leverage your connections – let people know you’re job hunting and ask for referrals.
     
     
8. Leverage Online Resources & Upskill
   • Take free or affordable courses on Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning.
     
     
   • Stay updated with industry news and trends through podcasts, newsletters, and forums.
     
     
   • Consider earning certifications to boost your credibility in your field. Check out platforms like Certiport or Google Career Certificates.
     
     
9. Celebrate Every Win
   • Keep a “Success Log” to track progress and build confidence.
     
     
   • Applied for 10 jobs this week? Had an interview? Celebrate all victories to stay positive.
     
     
   • Remember, even rejections are learning opportunities—use them to refine your strategy.
     
     
10. Prioritize Your Well-being
    • Avoid burnout by taking breaks, exercising, and maintaining hobbies.
      
      
    • Stay connected with friends and family for emotional support.
      
      
    • Maintain a growth mindset—landing the right job takes time, persistence, and building confidence.

A well-organized job search not only reduces stress but also maximizes your chances of landing a role that truly fits who you are. Stay focused, try new strategies, and use the latest tools available. The right opportunity is out there—go get it!

At LifeSkills Academy, we're dedicated to equipping individuals with proven life skills. Our e-learning classes, led by seasoned business professionals, delve into Etiquette/Social Intelligence, Financial Skills, and Personal Organization. We invite you to explore our classes and join our community of continuous learners. Sign up for newsletters and class notices to stay informed about valuable life skills content. Together, let's build a foundation for success in our lives and our world.

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Written by: Sandi MacCalla – Founder, LifeSkills Academy – 2/24/2025

With remote and hybrid work environments normalizing, digital fluency has become essential for effective work collaboration. It’s predicted 75% of meetings this year will occur on video conferencing platforms. Those who communicate well across digital channels will best facilitate engaged team alignment, regardless of physical location.

Understanding Digital Fluency

Digital fluency dives deeper into the digital arena. It’s the ability to use digital platforms to problem-solve, create, collaborate, and communicate effectively. Here are key aspects:

1. Online Communication: Mastering online platforms such as email, messaging apps, video conferencing, and social media while understanding etiquette and best practices.
   
   
2. Information and Data Fluency: Finding, critically evaluating, and applying information from various online sources.
   
   
3. Cybersecurity Awareness: Understanding the importance of cybersecurity and adopting safe online practices.
   
   
4. Adaptability: Learning and adapting to new technologies and platforms as they emerge.
   
   
5. Problem-Solving: Utilizing technology to tackle challenges and find solutions.

Best Resources to Excel in Digital Fluency

1. Coursera - Digital Fluency Courses: Coursera offers a range of courses on digital fluency, covering topics from basic digital skills to advanced communication strategies. Coursera Digital Fluency Courses https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=digital
   
   
2. LinkedIn Learning - Digital Fluency and Communication: LinkedIn Learning provides courses specifically focused on improving digital communication skills, including video conferencing and remote collaboration tools. LinkedIn Learning Digital Fluency LinkedIn Learning: Online Courses for Creative, Technology, Business Skills
   
   
3. Harvard Business Review - Articles on Digital Fluency: HBR offers insightful articles on the importance of digital fluency in the workplace and strategies to enhance these skills. HBR Digital Fluency Articles Developing a Digital Mindset
   
   
4. The Inform Team - Building Digital Skills at Work: This resource provides practical advice on how to build digital skills within an organization, emphasizing the importance of digital fluency for effective communicationThe Inform Team1
   
   
5. CompTIA Spark - Digital Fluency for Students: Although targeted at students, this resource offers valuable insights into developing digital fluency skills that are transferable to the workplaceCompTIA Spark2
   
   
6. Educause - Digital Fluency in Higher Education: Educause provides resources and articles on preparing students for digital fluency, which can be applied to professional settingsEducause Digital Fluency3

Investing in digital fluency is crucial for maintaining effective communication and collaboration in remote and hybrid work environments. By leveraging these resources, teams enhance their digital skills, so they remain aligned and engaged, regardless of physical location. Feel free to explore these resources for a deeper dive into digital fluency and its impact on our modern communication. Happy learning! 🚀

Digital Literacy vs. Digital Fluency:

While these are closely related concepts, they have distinct meanings.

Digital Literacy is the ability to effectively and critically use digital tools and technologies. It includes skills like:

• Basic computer and internet navigation
• Understanding and using varied software applications
• Evaluating the credibility of online information
• Communicating and collaborating using digital platforms

These are the fundamentals needed to function in a digital environment.

Digital Fluency goes beyond. It involves using digital tools and technologies to innovate, create, and strategically achieve specific goals. It includes:

• Advanced problem-solving using digital resources
• Creating digital content and media
• Applying digital tools in professional and academic contexts
• Adapting to new and emerging technologies

Digital fluency seamlessly integrates these skills into various aspects of life and work, much like being fluent in a language.

So, while digital literacy is about understanding and using digital tools, digital fluency is about mastering and leveraging them to their fullest potential.

If you're interested in staying informed about LifeSkills Academy’s classes, valuable life skills content, and updates, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletters and class notices. Join us on the journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Together, let's build a foundation for success in life and our world.

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