Being judgmental about everything can hurt the people around you, and the practice can be exhausting too.
Every day, we scrutinize the actions of others and make several tiny judgments about them. Sure, rolling eyes at people is easy, but do you consider this behavior appropriate? Ever wondered how it might impact others, and what those little judgments of yours can do to your relationships? You can always change this habit and become more accepting. Follow the tips below to be more compassionate, empathetic, and loving towards people.
Ask yourself what made you feel the need to judge.
The habit of being judgemental is most often deeply rooted in some form of insecurity within the person. You are not judging another individual for their choice. Instead, you are only trying to make yourself feel less bad about your own choices, by judging other people.
Figure out what triggers judgmental thoughts in you.
Many a time, casting judgment is a spontaneous action for you. Maybe you are not consciously thinking about it or if it is at all necessary to do. Figuring out when you are being most judgmental can assist you in actively curbing your critical thoughts during those moments.
Practice empathy
In most cases, you tend to be judgemental when you see someone doing something that you find annoying or strange, and you are not able to understand what is causing that behavior. It is because we often fail to put ourselves “in the other person’s shoes.” But just because you are unable to understand the exact situation of a person, that does not give you enough reasons to be judgemental. Instead, try to think of a time when you might have done something that others perceived as strange or annoying, and be more empathetic to the person.
Reframe and rewrite your judgmental thoughts.
Think of all your judgmental thoughts and rewrite them by employing a more empathetic and fresh perspective. Remember to be curious and not critical. For instance, if your judgmental thoughts compel you to think “Sarah is not performing well at work,” try to rewrite it as, “I wonder what is affecting Sarah’s performance lately. She is probably facing some issues at home.” This step can help you acquire a more compassionate standpoint.
Be accepting
After having tried to understand the other person, you need to accept them the way they are. It is difficult and inappropriate to ask someone else to change. You do not have to like them or try to be their best buddy, but do not at least judge them.
Start practicing these simple tips to curb your critical thinking and see how your life and relationships with people change for the better.
