How to Gain Good Judgement

Bad days are often the result of bad judgement, maybe not decisions or choices made that day, yet bad judgement nonetheless. I love how Will Rogers reminds us that our good judgement, our ability to make good decisions, comes as a result of bad judgment…and often lots of bad judgement.

The best lessons learned are the ones with harsh or painful consequences. They haunt us and stand in the gap when we try to do that same stupid thing over and over and over again. The key is to learn the lesson and know what to avoid doing so it doesn’t happen again. Pride, arrogance or even plain old stubbornness often get in our way. That’s when our bad judgement happens again, providing another chance to learn.

And as Will Rogers reminds us, it often takes LOTS of bad experience to gain good judgment. I thought about that as something in my world was going awry. I asked myself, “Haven’t I been here before? Why am I doing this again?” And the best question I have learned to ask myself is, “ What lesson have I not learned that ended me back here again?” Self reflection, self reproach, mixed with a large spoonful of humility goes a long way.

Let’s face it, we are often harder on ourselves than anyone else. We know what we did or did not do to get us in this situation again. And we know what decisions and behaviors to change in order to prevent another bad decision relapse. The hard part is doing it. Change is hard…but so are stupid mistakes.

What situation are you facing in your life that is begging you to employ good judgment? And what bad judgement have you employed in the past that taught you that good judgment? When you sit still, quiet your world, when you pause to reflect, the answer is clear. So care for yourself enough to act on the good and learn from the bad. Go on, do the right thing. Put in the work. Overcome and act as your own advocate by employing that hard earned good judgment. You can do it. Your life is worth changing bad habits into superior good judgment.

You have gained the good judgment, now all you have to do is use your wisdom on your own behalf. Believe me, it feels good when you do. Will Roger would be proud of you!