Why Critical Thinking Has Been My Secret Weapon for 30+ Years

Let’s talk about something that has been at the heart of my career, my travels, and my life: Critical Thinking. 

After more than three decades as an engineer, working in industries ranging from manufacturing and government to construction and nonprofits, I can tell you this: critical thinking is a skill that never goes out of style.

What Critical Thinking Really Means to Me

Textbook definitions are fine, but for me, Critical Thinking is the ability to look at a situation, analyze it, and make sound decisions without waiting for someone else to tell you what to do. It is asking questions, digging for facts, and weighing different perspectives before taking action.

I have seen firsthand how this plays out on the job. Whether I was troubleshooting medical device production lines in Puerto Rico, managing projects for Public Works or the Water Authority, or solving problems in the U.S., the ability to think critically often meant the difference between success and costly mistakes.

The Day It Clicked for Me

I still remember being 22, working in manufacturing. My boss looked at us in a meeting and said,

        “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.”

That hit me like a lightning bolt. In that moment, I realized I had a choice: either wait to be told what to do or take ownership and figure things out for myself. That one sentence shaped the way I approached every challenge that came after, from high-pressure deadlines to cross-cultural negotiations.

Why It’s More Than Just a Work Skill

Critical Thinking  has carried me far in my career, but it is just as important in everyday life. I have lived and worked in places where information was scarce, unclear, or simply incorrect. And today, with social media bombarding us with opinions, trends, and misinformation every minute, being able to filter the truth from the noise is invaluable.

It is what helps you avoid being misled, make informed decisions for yourself and your family, and maintain your integrity when everyone else is following the crowd.

How You Can Build It Too

Critical Thinking is not something you master once and forget about. You build it every day. Here’s what has worked for me:

• Ask questions. Don’t just accept “that’s how it’s done.” Dig into the why.
• Listen to different perspectives. Some of my best solutions came from unexpected voices.
• Read widely. The more you know, the more creative your solutions become.
• Stay open-minded. Be willing to change your mind when the facts tell you to.

The Payoff After 33 Years

Looking back, I can say that Critical Thinking is the skill that has opened doors for me everywhere. It helped me adapt to new industries, earn the trust of teams from different cultures, and deliver results when the stakes were high.

It will make you stand out at work, protect you from bad decisions in life, and yes, even keep you from clicking on those “too good to be true” offers.

So start today. Question more. Think deeper.  You will see that this one skill can change the way you work, live, and lead.