Is it possible to analyze our own work? Can we really be objective? As I thought about the answers to these questions, I was reminded of the concept of "dialectical thinking": viewing something from many sides.

Seeing things from all angles can foster good communication with others. To think dialectically, one must keep an open mind and listen to the other person's point of view. We can use the same principles to analyze our own creations.

The following is a list of 3 benefits to appreciating all sides of something: 1) It can expand our thoughts. 2) Thinking with an open mind allows us to develop different opportunities. 3) Opening our mind can help us make well thought out decisions.

Understanding the importance of these benefits, can enable us to think objectively. For example: 1) "expand your thoughts" by being open to critique. Praise is great to hear, but it's criticism that will help you improve. 2) If you suspect something is not working, opening your mind will enable you to analyze if a change is needed. 3) Once you can accept that alternative ways of doing something exist, you can explore how to proceed.

We are often attached to what we create. As an author, I feel passionate about what I write. However, I learned that listening to others, particularly the comments of professionals in the field, gave me the opportunity to improve. Keeping an open mind and studying something from all angles is not always easy, but the benefits of learning how to truly analyze one's work will help create a superior product.