A changing mindset Turning judgement into understanding

A changing mindset Turning judgement into understandingA changing mindset Turning judgement into understandingIts natural to be confused by something youve never gone through. We are shaped by our experiences, so when the history of our experiences tells us things happen a certain way, it can be confusing when something challenges those patterns. This is wzu siche judgement stems from. Judging others is often unfair and stereotypical. In order to turn judgemental thoughts into something positive, its important to make a conscious effort to change the direction of those thoughts.We all make snap judgements, but its what you do with those snap judgements that is important. Weve all felt judgement, but its important to turn your preconceived negatives into positives by having more understanding. Turn your thoughts into action by practicing empathy in order to change your mindset and turn your judgements into something positive.Judgement - We all do itIts natural that our mind puts thin gs into categories on first glance. This behavior is raw, instant and intuitive. However, while judgements like these can ensure our safety, not all of them are useful. Many judgements come from an unfair place. For instance, we knowthe health benefit of breastfeedingand how great that practice is for a baby, but judging a mom who doesnt breastfeed isnt helpful. Though your snap judgement might be, why doesnt she breastfeed? your second thought should be that its none of your business and she probably has a perfectly good reason for why she doesnt.This type of mom judgement is so rampant that Meghan Koziel, a breast cancer survivor,put up a sign in her delivery roomexplaining why she couldnt breastfeed so that she didnt receive any judgement for it. This is just one example, but the truth is that having judgement for others is something we all do. But that doesnt mean its okay.Taking inventory of our thoughtsOften, your initial judgement on another personhas a lot to do with what yo uve been taught. How you grew up, what youve learned, and what our culture has fed us for so long creates a subconscious judgement for others in many situations. If you have an unfair judgement about another person, take inventory on where that thought came from. Do you really believe that? Is it an unfair thought? Some say that the first thing you think in a snap judgement situation is what society has taught you to believe, but the second thing you think is how you really feel.When you make a correlation like a blond girl must be dumb, then you realize thats a stereotype that is clearly untrue, youre taking inventory of an unfair judgement, making note of its unfairness, and changing your opinion on it.Turning positives into negativesSome judgements are created through an inability to relate. Addiction is a topic filled with judgement by many different types of people. Its a tricky topic because addicts need to be held accountable but also shouldnt be demonized.Nurses handle subst ance abuseby walking this line of accountability while still treating their patients with respect because they are trained to do so, but thats not taught to everyone. When you have a negative judgement on another, like those battling addiction, turn that negative into a positive by considering what you can do to help.Action to create change is a much better outlet for negative thoughts than judgement. Support addiction treatment being covered by insurance or vote to fund more after-school programs for at-risk youth.Learn how to support someones addiction recoveryif someone close to you has an addiction. These are just a few examples of turning a negative judgement into something actionable.Judgement - We all feel itNot only have we all been guilty of judging others, weve all also been guilty of feeling judged by others. Feeling judged is unfair and leads to feelings of anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment. No one wants to be judged, so its important to remember what it fe els like when we judge other people. Empathy and understandingis a vital piece in changing your mindsetand how you view and categorise others. Instead of judging someone else for something, consider how you can change that judgement into understanding.Instead of being the person who judges another, be the person who doesnt. When someone youre with comments on someone looking bad that day, instead of agreeing, speak up and offer that maybe they are sick, or having a bad day, and that you know what thats like.A changing mindsetChanging your mindset isnt easy. It happens by being aware of the problem, taking an inventory of any judgemental thoughts, and making a conscious effort to change those thoughts. The key is compassion. Its also worth understanding that many situations that create a judgemental response are situations with people who are different than we are. In reality, these differences are unique, fun and interesting - not a reason for unfair judgements. Changing your minds et on how you see differences, how you react to your own snap judgements, and how you can turn a negative thought into something helpful is how you truely watch your mindset change. Its not easy, and it doesnt happen overnight, but its important.Judgement is something weve all done and felt. Even in going through the process of changing mean and unhelpful thoughts, youll always still encounter some judgemental thoughts. Just remember Having those thoughts isnt the problem - its what you do with them. Instead of allowing them to shape your views, take inventory of why you think that way and change it. Do something positive, say something nice, or speak up for others. In reality, weve all been judged unfairly. In a world of judgement, understanding is the perfect antidote.This article welches originally published on YourCoffeeBreak.