We all judge other people. We judge them from the millisecond we meet them to the last good bye. And then at every consequent get-together.
Even if right now you're shaking your head in denial, trust me you're still a judge — you just don't know it.
OK, so — firstly — there's nothing wrong with judging people. Secondly it's not just something we do to pass the time, it's a built in protection process.
Also, there are two types of judging:
1 — judging a new acquaintance.
2 — judging the actions of a person you already know.
This post is about the first type.
So I'm not writing this to try and dissuade you from judging people.
Instead, I want to present to you an amazing opportunity to make more friends. To create more interpersonal connections. And to experience an appreciation for the value others can bring to your life experience.
I want to suggest to you that you use your judgmental reflex to actively select the people you associate with, instead of just being a puppet in that show. A puppet to your subconsciousness.
Do this: Next time you meet a new person make a point of noticing how you judge them. Make a mental note.
BUT, also make a point to leave the door open.
Consciously decide that the next time you meet this person, you will allow them to change your mind about who you first judged them to be.
Because by judging people upfront and then closing that door, you're missing out big time.
You're alienating the people that take time to 'grow' on you, but once they do — they are capable of bringing so much value to the table.
Some of those people actually use their 'un-likability' upfront as their own protection. They act cold to weed out people they don't know or trust.
So — allow yourself to change your mind about someone.
Don't write them off just 'cause you didn't 'gel' with them the first time around.
You never know what you might be missing… :o)
