Stop It!

“How would your life be different if…You stopped making negative judgmental assumptions about people you encounter? Let today be the day…You look for the good in everyone you meet and respect their journey.” – Steve Maraboli

What kind so judgements do you make about the people you come across in your life every day? Are these judgements opening opportunities or closing doors before anything can emerge?

Everybody does it. You make a decision about someone in the first 30-60 seconds of meeting or coming across them again.

Think for a second. When you see someone, have you ever asked what’s wrong with them today because they had a serious expression on their face or didn’t say hello to you? This is a small example of the many judgements we make on a daily basis with those we encounter.

In the example, you never know what was going on with that person before they ran into you. They may have received bad news. They might not be feeling well. They might just be very focused on what they need to do in the next couple minutes. They could just have to use the restroom. They are upset with you. They are thinking of their next great business deal. There are multiple options here.

By keeping an open mind and engaging them, you have the opportunity to comfort them, help them, work with them, etc. And your first step is suspending the little voice telling you a story which you really have limited, if any, information to even begin writing in your head.

This is just one example where we can make negative judgemental assumptions. How many times do you do this each day when you are out at the mall, in the office with co-workers, at a networking meeting, being introduced to someone new? Think of how many times you make a judgement call without ever knowing what is going on with the other person and knowing their story.

Look to make an effort with each person you come across in your life before you make a judgement on what is going on with them in a specific situation.  Ask questions.  Stop the chit-chat or story you are creating about what is going on with the other person.  Talk to them to find out.

What if you looked at each encounter as an opportunity to make a deeper connection, understand their journey and look for ways to benefit each other? How would this expand your life and theirs?

Are you up for this challenge?