A definition of metacognition is:
“The awareness and regulation of one’s own thinking processes. It involves the ability to observe, reflect on, and guide how we think, learn, and make decisions—with intention and adaptability.”
Put simply, metacognition means being aware of our thoughts and having the ability to influence them.
Too often, we operate unconsciously, unaware of our thoughts and triggers. We tend to live in a cycle of stimulus and response: something happens, and we react. Someone says something upsetting, and we lash out. We smell freshly baked cookies, and before we know it, we’ve eaten half the batch. Triggers can hijack us, sending us into emotional rabbit holes.
To be effective leaders and managers, we must wake up and take ownership of our thinking. That starts with a PAUSE. In the space between stimulus and response lies the opportunity to choose. In that gap, we can decide how to interpret what happened—creating a more empowering story—and then choose how to act, rather than reacting automatically.
Here are a few tools to enhance your metacognition:
- Speak or journal your thoughts. Do you notice any recurring themes?
- Observe how you feel and identify the thoughts that preceded those emotions.
- Be a “wise observer” of your thoughts. Ask yourself:
- Was that thought factual?
- Was it fast and reactive, or slow and reflective?
- Was I problem-solving, judging, avoiding, or going down a rabbit hole?
- What kind of persona does my inner voice have?
Everything begins with a thought.
If you want to take control of your life—or your business success—start by taking control of your thinking.
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