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Meta-Thinking

The umbrella term for any higher-order cognitive process that manages your thinking. It includes meta-cognition, meta-reason, and meta-strategy. It's the executive function of your mind, deciding how to approach a problem, which mental model to use, and when to switch tactics. In a world of information overload, meta-thinking is the skill of being a good boss to your own brain.
Example: "Faced with a complex project, I didn't just dive in. I used meta-thinking: 'This is a systems problem, not a linear one. I'll map the components first, use a second-brain app to track ideas, and schedule time for divergent thinking.' It's thinking about the thinking, before the thinking even starts." Meta-Thinking
by Abzugal January 30, 2026
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Meta-Thinking

The umbrella term for any higher-order cognitive process that manages your thinking. It includes meta-cognition, meta-reason, and meta-strategy. It's the executive function of your mind, deciding how to approach a problem, which mental model to use, and when to switch tactics. In a world of information overload, meta-thinking is the skill of being a good boss to your own brain.
Example: "Faced with a complex project, I didn't just dive in. I used meta-thinking: 'This is a systems problem, not a linear one. I'll map the components first, use a second-brain app to track ideas, and schedule time for divergent thinking.' It's thinking about the thinking, before the thinking even starts."
by Abzugal January 30, 2026
mugGet the Meta-Thinking mug.

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