Before developing our reasoning skills, let's understand on how rationalizing works.
In a Reflective Context:
Our reflections are based on rationalizing if our thoughts, behavior and actions are influenced by our biases, beliefs, assumptions, personal experiences, needs, interests, and so forth.
For instance, I drink soft drinks and eat chocolates because I am rewarding myself. By rewarding myself, I am able to enhance my focus, work and study better. Here, I am rationalizing my actions (aligning my actions with my interests).
In a Relational Context:
If I say, “I do not agree to this because I was not taught in school, because my boss said it is not true, hence, I think this is right and this is wrong," or "I agree to this because my friend and my uncle told me so.” I am rationalising (aligning my communication with some borrowed ideas).
When applying reasoning skills, I would say, "I drink soft drinks and eat chocolates to cope better with my work and studies even when I know it is unhealthy thus I will find healthier ways to enhance my focus next time."