Can we learn to have more forethought? Or is it just something some people are born with?

Answer 1

There are 2 types of thinking. They are
1) Logical thinking &
2) Emotional thinking.
The first one will give us a lot of insight and will lead us into "forethought" kingdom.
Second one will force us down the hill.
So, keep your emotions aside and analyse the situation and think logically to get good forethoughts.

Answer 2

While you can develop your skill at forethought, some of it is a product of innate temperament.

For example, I'm by nature a thinker and a "risk-manager." I "forethink" everything. Before I do something, my mind flips through all the different possibilites of what could happen, and then I make a decision based on the wisest course of action.

(Sometimes this can be annoying, since I'm not as spontaneous as I'd like to be. I wish sometimes I could just throw caution to the wind without feeling uncomfortable.)

My middle child, though, is the exact opposite. He doesn't think at all before acting, and he has created a lot of messes in his life simply because he's a "leap before you look" kid by nature.

This has its positive side: He's the life of the party, he's exciting, exuberant, fun to be with, he also is fearless and is willing to try anything... and sometimes succeeding where logic fears to tread.

But it can also be destructive. While he is smart, he tends to not change his behavior unless he is badly enough hurt by one of his impulsive decisions. So, yes, he can learn... but he is still very prone to trying to make his bad decisions work rather than avoiding making them in the first place.

(He's also been diagnosed with ADHD... and this is common behavior for someone with that problem.)

In any case, he will develop forethought -- but only through extensive and painful experiences. I think most people would fall in-between somewhere.

Answer 3

Acting on impulse or displaying forethought is a major problem with persons suffering from ADHD as well as some other conditions. This happens because they are so sensitive to stimuli around them. They notice every little thing around them. the clicking clock, the sound of the wind, voices in the hallway, a pencil dropping, etc. It is only when they have learned the skill of blocking out the non important stimuli in their surroundings that they can concentrate on one thing at a time. As they learn better listening skills , to pay attention to body language and other unspoken clues they are better able to control their impulsiveness. So, it is a skill which can be taught. However with some mental illnesses the person is not able to comprehend the consequences of their actions, and will continue to act on impulse regardless of the amount of help they receive.

Answer 4

It is something you learn. The more you are with someone, the more you come in tune with them, and are better able to have forethought.

Answer 5

No I don't think that people are just born with it. Maybe at times it helps if smart people run in your family, but learning things everyday helps you down the road. I have seen people that are so book smart, straight "A" students in school but when they come out to the real world they have no common sense or street sense. Put your mind towards something and when doing something, do it the best you can. Learn everything you can about what you are doing. such as in a job.

Answer 6

Usually by learning from our mistakes, leads to increased forethought. One would hope anyway!

Answer 7

i think it is like anyting else, some people are predisposed to being better at things than other people... teach two kids all the mechanics of throwing a baseball and everything else being equal, you get different results... same thing... what goes into forethought: patience, planning, etc., and these are learned traits

Answer 8

Thinking before speaking or acting is a learned skill. It comes from experience throughout life. Some just learn easier than others.

Answer 9

I think if you don't have it to start with it take sa heck of a lot of practice to develop it, some people are just brought up or inherently have a manner of speaking disjointed to their train of thought and to consciously slow it down or pause is tough, especially because sometimes it can turn into a stutter or a long pause. But i don't think it's impossible to learn

Answer 10

it is actually something someone can learn if they wish to improve themselves, and their relationship with others
you have to take a second or two and think about what you just heard and exactly what your response is going to be...and with time and patience you can improve yourself and the way people look at you..because your answers will be of much more thought..
try it..you will like it...

good luck