“Judging a person does not define who they are. It defines who you are.”

Judging other people can quickly become a bad habit. First, let’s ask ourselves, why are we so quick to judge? According to Psychology Today, our brains are always trying to make sense of the situation at hand. But a snap judgment doesn’t allow us to look beyond the actions we are witnessing. We need to pause, get in touch with our own empathy, and understand there may be a more significant cause behind what’s happening.

Why is judging others such a bad habit?

Judgment has been essential to the survival of our species. We are programmed to judge if someone or a specific situation is good or bad, safe or dangerous. However, if we evaluate others based on looks, clothing style, socioeconomic status, or “in the moment actions,.” judgment no longer becomes necessary for survival. And all the negative thoughts surrounding the conclusion may become detrimental to our own mental health.

Many of our findings can stem from our own insecurities and how we feel about ourselves. When we are happy with who we are, we are a lot less likely to feel the need to judge others.

Judging can also take away our chance to improve our empathy level and see our judgments’ positive side.

How we can stop judging others.

Habits are notoriously difficult to break, and this habit is no different. And like most habits, awareness is the key to changing the way we react to others’ behaviors. When we realize having unnecessary judgments towards others is problematic, it may be the first step towards change!

Start by looking inward and see what makes you feel insecure? How can you change your insecurities? Why do you feel the need to judge others? Does it make you feel good, or perhaps it makes you feel bad? Ask yourself why you feel the need to tear others down? Work on building your self-esteem up rather than trying to take others down.

Try putting yourself in the other person’s shoes the next time you find the need to judge. Try to understand why they may be dressing or acting a certain way. By omitting the negative thoughts that come to mind when you think about others, you can begin to overcome judging others without reason in a more positive and understanding tone.

Habits are difficult to break, especially when they are ingrained in us. But that doesn’t mean we should use it as an excuse to be mean and judgmental towards others! You wouldn’t want to be judged unfairly, so don’t unfairly judge others. Go forth with positivity and empathy in your heart.

“It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see.” – Henry David Thoreau

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