Culture transmits a wealth of information, influencing and shaping people's way of thinking. However, at times, this information can clash with critical thinking when the cultural information is based on unexamined and untrue assumptions, for example, the assumption that men are aggressive while women are passive. The critical thinker has to be aware of cultural influences and make rational decisions based on facts.
Many times, your own desires or wishes get in the way of analytical and critical thinking often because of an innate egocentric belief that it's true "because I believe it." In those cases, look past your subjective desires to reach an objective standpoint about issues while taking into consideration other people's points of view as well. This may be more difficult when it comes to personal decisions, but it is necessary for critical thinking since a subjective stance alters facts and gives incorrect or limited information on issues.
People often rely on authority to make a decision. They might investigate and research issues and look up expert opinion on the matter. Although this can aid in decision-making, it is important not to rely blindly or too much on such sources. These views and suggestions can also differ significantly, whether you are asking a professional counselor or a religious authority. Part of critical thinking is questioning and examining opinions, not simply taking them as facts without also thinking for yourself.
Critical thinking involves analytical skills. Analysis requires a logical and rational method to look at facts objectively and draw conclusions from them. However, many people have flaws in their reasoning. For example, people tend to engage in simplistic and unrealistic black and white thinking, such as something is either good or bad or there is only one right way of doing things. Real-life situations are usually more complex and may not offer clear-cut answers.