Cognitive ability is the fundamental force that shapes our judgment and decision-making. It determines our choices and, in turn, shapes our destiny. Yet, when it comes to self-improvement, many people overlook the importance of training their cognitive skills. To enhance cognitive ability, there are three thinking approaches worth deliberately practicing.

Be an Inclusive Gray-Scale Thinker：

1. Understanding Gray-Scale Thinking

Many people are accustomed to a black-and-white mindset, believing that things are either right or wrong. But reality is often complex and ambiguous—the world is rarely limited to two options. As Wang Zhigang once said, “The world is not simply black or white, either-or; there is a vast gray area in between.” This is what we call gray-scale thinking—the ability to see the nuances and complexities between extremes, rather than clinging to a single, rigid perspective.

2. Practicing Gray-Scale Thinking

As leaders or managers, we shouldn’t confine ourselves to simple judgments of “like” or “dislike.” Instead, we should be inclusive toward people with different personalities and values. This not only prevents narrow-minded thinking but also helps us make more mature decisions. When I first started my business, there were times I wasn’t entirely satisfied with a colleague’s actions, but practicing gray-scale thinking taught me to respect individual differences and understand their perspectives.

Gray-scale thinking calls for withholding hasty judgments, staying open-minded, and embracing uncertainty. This way, we can better recognize that the world is not a place of absolutes but one full of countless possibilities.

A Lifelong Journey of Self-Awareness：

1. Deepening Self-Understanding

To find our place in a complex world, we must first understand ourselves deeply. Everyone should continuously explore their strengths and abilities rather than blindly chasing external standards. Only with a clear self-awareness can we make better decisions and avoid unnecessary detours.

My entrepreneurial journey taught me that fully understanding my strengths and weaknesses allows me to make choices best suited to my circumstances. For example, I often base strategic decisions on areas I excel in—this self-awareness has spared me from making unrealistic plans.

2. Never Stop Learning About Yourself

Our self-understanding should never remain static. People change over time, and as we gain more experience, our self-awareness should deepen accordingly. As Warren Buffett once said, only by operating within your “circle of competence” can you achieve your greatest accomplishments. When you know exactly what you can and cannot do, you can make decisions more effectively and avoid wasting time and resources.

Stay on the Frontline of Understanding the World：

1. Keeping Up with Change

To better integrate ourselves into society and the business world, we need to understand not only ourselves but also the world around us. Staying sensitive to societal and industry changes is key to finding our place in a complex environment. I often remind myself and my team to spend time each day learning about industry trends and keeping an eye on competitors’ movements—this information is critical for strategic decision-making.

2. Staying Grounded

Charlie Munger once said that despite owning a private jet, he still chooses to fly on commercial flights because he doesn’t want to lose touch with ordinary people. This grounded approach reminds us not to detach from the frontline. Only by staying connected with everyday people can we truly understand the market’s needs and changes.

To enhance our cognitive ability, we need to start from three aspects: be an inclusive gray-scale thinker, continuously deepen our self-awareness, and maintain a keen observation of the world. Improving cognition is not something achieved overnight—it is a process of constant refinement and adjustment. By deliberately practicing these ways of thinking, we can find our direction in a complex world and make wiser choices.