Our minds have a way of concluding how people are and how they live based upon our own experiences. This happens because our minds like to predict outcomes and not to lie in ambiguity. In a way, we’d like to be able to read people’s minds and learn how to filter out our connections based on the kinds of interactions we’d love to have. However, if we are not careful, we can conclude the wrong things about people without giving them a chance to speak up for themselves.
Maintaining a judgment-free mindset requires you to be more patient with people and to give them a chance to interact with you. Just remember, even if you do have preconceived judgments about this person (based on their appearance or way they carry themselves), you can always change these thoughts later. It’s impossible to be free of judgments of others 100% of the time, but you sure can try your best to be judgment-free for majority of the time.
One way in which you can maintain a judgment-free mind is to give people an opportunity to introduce themselves. Engage in small talk and see where the conversation goes. Try to find some common ground of interests. Even the shyest of all people have something interesting to share about themselves if you just give them a chance.
Another way to express a judgment-free attitude is to take the lead and allow others to follow you. Even if someone is dealing with insecurities, you can lead how to accept those flaws and have them change through you. In a sense, you can be the one to inspire change in them.
Back when I was in uni, I used to work out in the gym there. My friends knew that I was attending gym classes or playing basketball there every so often. Soon, I found myself exercising with other friends who were struggling with being physically active. But because I was already hitting the gym, they tagged along with me and started being more active too. That is the leader approach in which way you can influence others to make positive lifestyle changes.
I also practice a vegan lifestyle. As a vegan, it is a bit challenging to find meals outside that are vegan-friendly. Some of my friends were inspired to try going vegan because of me sticking to my values. And others were curious as to what vegans eat. So before, I used to share vegan meals on my Instagram. That also helped me to connect with and find other vegans through the app. I do not judge others for what they eat, so long as they do not impose a non-vegan lifestyle upon me. And so far, I’ve found a good balance of this mindset, choosing not to dine with others if they make it clear that they cannot accept my vegan lifestyle.
I think the number one best way to maintain a judgment-free mindset is to really know yourself. Be confident in who you are, and never let insecurities get to you. Just try your best every single day and take care of your health, both physically and mentally. Understand that even if someone is living a lifestyle that is completely opposite from you, there is some lesson that you can learn from them. Or, you can always turn your attention away from that person and find friends that resonate more with you. The decision is up to you. But of course, you don’t have to jump to conclusions about that person or how they live their life, just because it is much different from yours.
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