How To Stop Being Judgemental

'How To Stop Being Judgemental' is a challenge we've all faced, whether it's dealing with someone overly open, constantly politicking, or trying to one-up others. In our daily lives, it's easy to judge others for their choices, but this isn't beneficial. Here are some tips to help!

How To Stop Being Judgemental Towards Those In Poverty

Try To Understand Their Situation:

• Take time to empathize with individuals living in poverty.
• Consider that they might have faced significant challenges or have always lived in poverty.
• Acknowledge that everyone has unique struggles and backgrounds.
• Avoid making assumptions based on limited information.

Put Yourself In Their Shoes:

• Imagine living life without your current comforts and resources.
• Recognize that poverty often stems from factors beyond one's control, like sudden job loss or family illness.
• Reflect on how you would feel and act in similar circumstances.
• Consider how your perspective on poverty might change if you experienced it firsthand.

Be More Compassionate

• Practice showing kindness and understanding towards those in financial hardship.
• Remember that poverty is not a choice and doesn't define a person's character.
• Offer support and empathy instead of judgment.
• Realize that small acts of compassion can make a significant difference in someone's life.

Speak Up Against Judgmental Comments

• Challenge judgmental attitudes and comments when you encounter them.
• Educate others about the harmful effects of stigmatizing poverty.
• Advocate for respectful and empathetic treatment of all individuals, regardless of their financial status.
• Use your voice to promote a more inclusive and understanding community.

Educate Yourself On The Causes Of Poverty:

• Research and learn about the complex factors that lead to poverty.
• Understand that poverty is often a systemic issue influenced by economic, social, and political factors.
• Stay informed about policies and practices that affect people in poverty.
• Use your knowledge to inform your actions and conversations about poverty and financial struggles. [1][2][3]

How To Stop Being Judgemental Towards Other Religions

Acknowledging Your Own Privilege

• Recognize and admit to yourself that you have prejudices.
• Reflect on the origins of your prejudices, whether from personal experiences, media, or upbringing.
• Critically examine and challenge your beliefs.
• Seek diverse perspectives through books, movies, or conversations with people from different backgrounds.

Understanding Different Religions

• Conduct research on various world religions.
• Engage in conversations with people of different faiths.
• Read books and articles on religious topics.
• Watch documentaries about different religions.
• Consider taking a class or attending religious services to broaden your understanding.

Avoiding Assumptions

• Avoid generalizing individuals based on their religion.
• Don't presume people are easily offended or ignorant about other faiths.
• Refrain from assuming that people are closed-minded or intolerant.

Learning About Other Religions

• Be open to learning about religions different from your own.
• Respect other people's beliefs and ask questions to understand better.
• Be open to changing your views based on new information.
• Seek guidance from religious leaders or experts for deeper understanding.

Respecting Beliefs and Avoiding Assumptions

• Avoid making assumptions about individuals based on their religious beliefs.
• Discuss differences respectfully, without resorting to derogatory language.
• Refrain from imposing your views on others, either physically or emotionally. [4][5]

How To Stop Being Judgmental in the Workplace/School

Reflecting on Your Judgments

• Pause and reflect before judging to understand the situation from different perspectives.
• Ask yourself why you are judging someone. Is it due to anger, upset, or a belief that they've done something wrong?
• If there's no valid reason for judgment, reconsider your stance.
• Remember that everyone makes mistakes and has different opinions and beliefs.

Self-Awareness and Understanding

• Be aware of moments when you judge others or yourself.
• Note the feelings and thoughts that accompany these judgments.
• Assess why you're feeling this way and what might help alleviate these emotions.
• Challenge and refute your beliefs to foster more positive and empathetic thoughts.

Active Listening and Presence

• Listen attentively to others, focusing on their words, body language, and tone.
• Try to quiet your inner monologue and be fully present in the conversation.

Acknowledging and Correcting Mistakes

• Admit and acknowledge your mistakes.
• Take responsibility for your actions and sincerely apologize.
• Make amends, which may include changing your behavior or apologizing to those affected.
• Reflect on what led to your judgmental behavior and commit to changing your thinking or behavior patterns.
• Forgive yourself to move on and live more peacefully. [6][7][8]

To help you navigate and enhance your interactions at work, I recommend reading How to Improve Interpersonal Relationships in the Workplace.

Conclusion

Following the tips above, you can train your brain to think more positively about others and yourself. The next time you find yourself being judgemental, remember these tips and try to turn that judgment into something positive.

However if you're struggling to make this change yourself, we recommend Online Therapy.

Questions & answers

What Would Happen If We Stopped Judging Others And Ourselves So Harshly?

When we harshly judge others or ourselves, it only leads to anger, frustration, and self-doubt. It's a very unproductive way to conduct ourselves, ultimately destroying our peace of mind.

What Causes People To Be Judgemental?

Some of the most common causes include feeling insecure and threatened, wanting to feel superior to others, or having a rigid belief system that dictates how they should think and behave.

References

1. verywellmind; How to Be Less Judgmental
2. psychologytoday; How to Be Less Judgmental Toward Yourself
3. socialself; How to Be Less Judgmental (and Why We Judge Others)
4. verywellmind; How to Be Less Judgmental
5. Religious Studies Center; Learning about Other Religions
6. psychologytoday; How to Be Less Judgmental Toward Yourself
7. verywellmind; How to Be Less Judgmental
8. psychologytoday; How to Judge Without Being Judgmental