~ 20 minutes
Now that we have seen some examples of what can happen with a lack of consequential thinking, here are some tips for how to apply it instead. Below, are three steps that will be important to keep in mind as you begin to practice this competency.
PAUSE
The first step is to pause. For how long? Just six seconds makes a huge difference. Emotions are chemicals called neurohormones. It takes the body about six seconds for these molecules of emotion to get absorbed back into your body after they are produced. So give yourself six seconds and go from there!
EVALUATE
This pause also offers an opportunity to evaluate the situation at hand. It may help to ask yourself questions about your short-term and long-term goals. What do I want to accomplish? Is my current course of action helping me to accomplish those goals?
RESPOND
Now that you have paused and evaluated the situation, you are ready to respond mindfully.
Apply Consequential Thinking is a cornerstone of executive functioning. In order to make good decisions, our students need to be able to anticipate and visualize the consequences of their actions.
READ the following two articles.
Apply Consequential Thinking in the Six Seconds EQ Model | Six Seconds (10 minutes)
Watch the videos in this article as well.
Applying Consequential Thinking helps you make optimal decisions. It empowers you to take ownership of your life and its direction. Instead of reacting and then later feeling regret, you can respond thoughtfully in any situation. Even a moment of planning can help you take the right actions rationally and emotionally.
Apply Consequential Thinking to Improve Decision Making | Six Seconds (8 minutes)
In this article, Six Seconds contributor Dr. Granville D’Souza offers tips for making better, more informed decisions with consequential thinking.
“When we evaluate actions against the “what if” prism of judgment– which involves sorting, sifting, and identifying the most reasonable idea with maximum good for the greatest number of people– we widen our focus and access more options.”
WATCH these videos.
Where’s the EQ? Parking Lot Battle | Malcolm in the Middle (2.37 minutes)
This funny clip from Malcolm in the Middle provides a primer of what happens when consequential thinking goes awry (or missing).
OPTIONAL:
Hidden Brain Podcast What’s Not On The Test: The Overlooked Factors That Determine Success
New research suggests that early investments in children’s education can have benefits that last for more than one generation. Talk about consequential thinking.
