Contents
Preface vii
Introduction: The Power of Clear Thinking in Ordinary Moments xiii
Part 1. The Enemies of Clear Thinking
1.1 Thinking Badly-or Not Thinking at All? 5
1.2 The Emotion Default 12
1.3 The Ego Default 16
1.4 The Social Default 23
1.5 The Inertia Default 29
1.6 Default to Clarity 35
Part 2. Building Strength
2.1 Self-Accountability 43
2.2 Self-Knowledge 56
2.3 Self-Control 59
2.4 Self-Confidence 62
2.5 Strength in Action 71
2.6 Setting the Standards 74
2.7 Exemplars + Practice 80
Part 3. Managing Weakness
3.1 Knowing Your Weaknesses 93
3.2 Protecting Yourself with Safeguards 101
3.3 How to Handle Mistakes 113
Part 4. Decisions: Clear Thinking in Action
4.1 Define the Problem 125
4.2 Explore Possible Solutions 135
4.3 Evaluate the Options 155
4.4 Do it! 183
4.5 Margin of Safety 193
4.6 Learn from Your Decisions 211
Part 5. Wanting What Matters
5.1 Dickens's Hidden Lesson 225
5.2 The Happiness Experts 231
5.3 Memento Mori 235
5.4 Life Lessons from Death 240
Conclusion The Value of Clear Thinking 245
Acknowledgments 249
Notes 253
Index 261