Unlocking Brilliance – A Quick Introduction to the 5 Cognitive Skills of Success

Let’s take a fast, mind-expanding ride into a little charted world! (Think your favorite Disneyland attraction!) It’s not the ancient world of dinosaurs. It’s not the futuristic world of AI. Welcome to the world of intellectual empowerment! This is the land where individuals have mined the resources for great civilizations, artistry, vaccines, space exploration, the 4-minute mile, as well as every inspiring vision we strive for!

More specifically, it’s your world, your inner land of potential! In this rich landscape are the remarkable cognitive skills that shape thinking, learning, and break throughs of every size! And, the following 5 — that we call the 5 C’s — run your world!

Comprehension

This resource fuels your understanding. It’s the ability to break ideas and information down, relate to the parts, and then reconstruct them into meaning. It works in diverse environments, including text, speech, and visuals. Comprehension is a common and underestimated resource that powers reading, listening, learning, and communication. And, impressively, it has long-term effects:

“A mind once stretched by a new idea
never regains its original dimensions.”
(Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., U.S. Supreme Court Justice, 1841 – 1935)

Computation

This asset is not just about working out problems or being a human calculator. It goes way beyond mathematical figuring to include logical reasoning, problem solving, and data analysis. Computational thinking gives power to any thoughts about physical science, life science, social science, engineering, finance, and finding solutions. Computation reveals the truth behind the data:

“The purpose of computation is
insight, not numbers.”
(Richard Wesley Hamming, American mathematician, 1915 – 1998)

Critical Thinking

This rich catalyst kicks up both comprehension and computation. It adds dynamic interactions like analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating evidence in a curious, open-minded, and fair-minded way. Think of it as a booster rocket for navigating complex systems, decision making, conflict resolution, achievement, communication, and even happiness! Critical thinking is the all-around fuel for getting to your potential:

“Critical thinking is what leads to
the next breakthroughs in any area.”
(Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, Researcher & Professor at The University of Delaware)

Creativity

With this reservoir of inspiration, we generate novel ideas, solutions, artistry, innovations. It is often thought to be in short supply and only for the naturally gifted. But nothing could be further from the truth. Creativity is available to all! It is the stuff of progress and invention in any area where you choose to use it. And it renews itself!

“You can’t use up creativity.
The more you use, the more you have.”
(Maya Angelou, American poet & civil rights activist, 1928 – 2014)

Communication

This resource shares the results of the first 4 cognitive skills. It incorporates the many ways we convey our ideas and feelings to others and perceive theirs as well. It can take the form of verbal transactions – speaking, writing, listening, signing – nonverbal messages – body language, gestures, tone of voice, expressions – or visual displays – images, charts, diagrams. Even art work in its many forms is a way to communicate. Besides its great variety, communication can be the most impactful of the cognitive skills:

“Of all the life skills available to us,
communication is perhaps the most empowering.”
(Bret Morrison, American actor, 1912 – 1978)

In the End …

These resources, the 5 cognitive skills, can be mined, refined, and developed in any amount and at any age. How? Schooling and formal courses are great starters. Beyond that, coaching that individualizes and specializes in the skills you need for your experiences is ideal. That’s the best, most efficient way to turn your potential into success!

We here at Motivation Matters Tutor – Coaching are skills experts and know how to get that job done! Why not set up a free, no obligation, consult or introductory session and see what we can do for you? (Just click here to get in touch.)

The energy of comprehension, computation, critical thinking, creativity, and communication turns what’s possible into what’s real!

Brilliance isn’t like a rare diamond that’s compressed in rock. Rather, it’s the profound result of refining, expanding, and perfecting the resources within!