Have you ever felt like if you just had more money, all your problems would disappear? Years ago, that was me. If you'd asked me about my biggest problem, I'd instantly say: money.

I genuinely believed that with enough money, all my problems would vanish. I'd imagine buying and eating anything I wanted, enjoying three satisfying meals a day, and traveling to all the amazing places I dreamed of. As the saying goes, "money makes the world go round," and in my younger mind, it felt like money was the answer to everything. Says C.T.  Williams.

But today, my life – and maybe yours too – looks very different.

"Now, even with a fridge full of food, I often eat just two meals a day. Why? Because my doctor told me to watch what I eat."

Now, it's not uncommon for me to eat just twice a day, even when my fridges are overflowing with food. The reason isn't a lack of resources, but rather a doctor's advice: "Don't eat this, don't drink that." This simple, personal experience of Williams shows us something important: the easy "fix" we imagine isn't always the real solution, and it doesn't always bring the happiness we expect.

Let's look at some common examples we see all around us:

The Big Dream of Moving Abroad: Many people passionately believe that if they just had enough money, they could move abroad and finally enjoy a perfect life. They dreamed of escaping their current struggles. Anne wanted a new start in Europe. She had lost her job in the Philippines, and relatives assured her that domestic work was plentiful abroad. So she borrowed money for the plane fare and said farewell to her husband and daughter, promising them, “We won’t be separated for long.” But the truth often hits hard. After selling everything and moving, they find themselves fighting daily sadness, deep loneliness, and culture shock. Some even face serious mental health issues, while others are simply too ashamed to admit things didn't work out and go back home.The dream of a better life turns into a daily fight for mental well-being.

The "Rich Partner" Fantasy: We often hear about, or even hope for, marrying someone wealthy to secure a life free from financial struggle, unlike maybe our parents. But for many, this dream quickly turns sour. They find themselves stuck in a marriage where they don't feel valued, leading to deep sadness and emotional pain despite the material comforts. Others live in constant worry, trying to keep their partner from other people who are just after money, causing sleepless nights and a lot of hurt. Conversely, many men chase huge wealth, hoping to secure a good life for their families and earn their wives' respect. Yet, we often read or see news of billionaire divorces, usually because there's no respect or love left. This Proves that money alone cannot buy true partnership or happiness.

The "Certificate Trap": There's a widely held belief that upgrading educational certificates to a higher level will automatically lead to higher-paying jobs and a better life. Motivated by this, many people spend all their savings, time, and effort into obtaining advanced degrees or certificates. But the sad truth for some is regret. They wonder if all that sacrifice was worth it, realizing that the "ordinary paper" didn't open the doors or provide the returns they so desperately hoped for. The promised job promotions never happen, leaving them with debt and disappointment.

Feeling stuck with a problem at work or in your personal life? After looking at all these common examples, what's the big lesson?

Critical thinking ( also called clear thinking)isn't just a skill—it's a lifeline. It empowers you to navigate challenges and find effective solutions.

Yes, critical thinking ability is far more powerful than simply "thinking outside the box." It helps us to:

Look Deeper: It helps us really think about what's happening "on the other side of the world." Are people there really better off than us here? Are we truly doing badly in our current situation?

Think About Ourselves and Plan: It makes us ask: "Is there something I'm not doing right here that I need to try or start doing to make things work for me, instead of instantly thinking about relocating abroad?" It helps us imagine having enough to go on a vacation abroad, while still building a fulfilling life right where we are.

No matter how much money you get, how many chances come your way, or how many relationships you start, without clear thinking, you'll likely keep running into more problems without real solutions. Money can buy comfort, but it can't buy true happiness, true peace of mind, or a true sense of yourself and the world around you.

How to Use Thinking ability for Life's Big Decisions:

Before you make a major life decision, stop and use your thinking ability. Ask yourself some tough questions:

Before Choosing a Career: Don't just follow trends. Inquire deeply about that field. How valuable is it in your area? What are the long-term prospects?  Can you use these skills somewhere else if the job market changes? What's the real day-to-day life like, not just the fancy parts?

Before Starting a Business: Think beyond just being excited because you have the money to start. Ask yourself: Why have so many people failed in this exact type of business? What's your realistic return on investment (ROI) – how much money will you get back compared to what you put in? How will this business truly help the people around you? Most important, do you have extra money saved up in case the business struggles at first or slows down? Starting a new business is hard, but having extra cash can really help you last longer.

Before Quitting Your Job: Don't just quit because you're frustrated. Ask yourself: "Is there anything I could have done to make things better for me here? Even if I found another job, would I take the same unsolved problems with me?" Beyond your paycheck, are there other benefits this job offers that help your family (like health insurance, stability, or learning opportunities)? Is there something you can do to improve your communication skills to work better with colleagues and superiors in your current workplace?

Before Thinking About Divorce: This is one of the most important times to use critical thinking ability. Ask yourself: "Is there something I didn't do on my part that might cause problems again in the future, even if I marry someone else?" This deep, honest look at yourself can show you patterns and how you might be contributing to problems, giving you a chance to grow, find true happiness and real peace of mind.

Asking such questions helps you think more deeply and look beyond the immediate surface of the problem, leading to more thoughtful decisions and lasting peace.

What other questions do you ask yourself to use your critical thinking ability in your daily life or for big decisions?

 Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!