Inverted Habits of Mind

HOM framework for thinking is as essential now as when it was first introduced over 30 years ago. A commit to growing the habits both individually and as a community, we become more thoughtful, responsive, and innovative. Over the years during many social, political, scientific, and economic changes, the 16 Habits of Mind still stand and their application in practice has grown our thinking.

Learn more at - The Habits of Mind - The Institute for Habits of Mind (habitsofmindinstitute.org) 

Habits of mind are skills that help you think and act intelligently when faced with problems and challenges.

Inverted habits of mind are the opposite of habits of mind, which are skills that hinder you from thinking and acting intelligently when faced with problems and challenges. You can invert habits of mind by stating the opposite of each habit, such as giving up easily instead of persisting, or acting on impulse instead of managing impulsivity.

Ask powerful questions on inverted habits of mind by using questions that help you reduce or eliminate the inverted habits, such as What are some strategies that can help me overcome the obstacles or difficulties, or how can I pause and think before I act.

Challenge your cognitive bias by using questions that help you identify and correct your errors or distortions in thinking, such as why do I hold this belief or opinion, or what are some evidence or reasons that support or challenge my belief or opinion. think from different perspective by using questions that help you see things from other points of view, such as how can I understand their perspectives and feelings, or how can I be open to different ideas, opinions and approaches.

You can apply these questions in your daily life by using them as prompts or reminders to practice the habits of mind. 

• Choose one or more questions that relate to a specific situation or task that you encounter or plan to do.

• Ask yourself the questions and answer them honestly and thoughtfully.

• Use the answers to guide your actions and decisions, and to reflect on your outcomes and learning.

• Repeat the process with different questions or situations, and track your progress and improvement over time.

You can also use these questions to help others practice the habits of mind. 

• Share the questions with your friends, family, colleagues, or students who are facing problems or challenges.

• Encourage them to ask themselves the questions and answer them honestly and thoughtfully.

• Support them to use the answers to guide their actions and decisions, and to reflect on their outcomes and learning.

• Provide feedback or praise to them for their efforts and achievements.