Determine the facts. To think critically, you must be objective and that means differentiating between what you assume, or what you think you know, and what is factual. You may need to perform some research to ascertain more detail. This could involve spending time at the library, searching online or talking to colleagues or people from other organizations. Gathering data and establishing the facts is key to being able to critically think about something and solve related problems.
Assess your data. Think of resources you can use to determine more facts and consider the value of those resources. Are they biased? Are they based on someone's interpretation of the facts? Are they only relevant to one country or culture? Are they historical? Interrogating your data sources will help you interpret that data effectively and critically.
Balance your perspective. If time allows, using a wide variety of data sources will help you balance your perspective and help you to think about a topic openly and without prejudice. If you are on a tight deadline and you think your research may not give a full picture of the topic, bear this in mind when you assess the data you have.
Practice your critical thinking. You don't have to wait for an essay to be assigned to you at college, you can employ critical thinking in all kinds of situations. If you've just watched a movie that made you laugh, think about why it made you laugh. If you believe in God, think about the reasons why you believe in God and consider what other perspectives there may be and why they came about. You don't always have to do lots of research, unless you really are studying for a college assignment or work. Thinking critically can become a habit you use everyday in all kinds of situations. Once you have mastered thinking critically it will help you solve problems.
Think logically. Logic is often the key to problem solving. For example, if a company employs five people but they have too much work, then the logical solution is to hire more staff. Working out how many people to employ and how many people the company can afford to employ are further, related problems that will also have one or more logical solutions. Thinking critically can help you to work out logical solutions and solve problems.
Research your problem. Make sure you know exactly what needs to be achieved and if there are any timescales, budgets or other similar issues involved. Then you'll be able to logically think through possible solutions until you've solved your problem.
Make it a habit. Completing sudoku games, crosswords and jigsaw puzzles are more than just ways to pass the time. They are all exercises in problem solving that you can use every day to make problem solving a habit. Puzzles like these are easy to solve because you understand the rules. If you're presented with a puzzle or problem you don't understand then it's time to use critical thinking.