Exercising Good Judgment

When I was in high school, we seemed to have many assemblies. On one such day, my friends and I thought it would be a good idea to leave campus during that morning’s assembly. Other kids were doing it, and it seemed like a good excuse to get out and go to the local convenience store for some treats. On our way down the street, a friend, who had a car, stopped and offered to take us. What fun! Now we were in someone’s car, filling it with teenagers and loving our small respite from school. What could go wrong? As it turns out, plenty.

We weren’t aware of this at the time, but a police officer watched us leave campus during school hours and then saw us get into the car. After following us a little ways, he pulled us over. Every one of us was taken back to the principal’s office, where the principal proceeded to call our parents. We were in trouble.

When I got home later that day, I had to face my mother. She said something to me that bothered me far more than the encounter with the police officer and the principal—more than being in trouble at school and at home. She said she was disappointed, and more specifically, that she questioned my judgment. For whatever reason, it bothered me more than the punishment. It really made think about my ability to make good choices. Was I so dense that I couldn’t navigate simple decisions to keep myself out of trouble? Why didn’t I consider the possible consequences before making that decision? Needless to say, I had a lot to think about that week. I ultimately decided that life flows smoother when you make the right decisions.

Using good judgment takes practice. It’s something that gets easier the more you do it. Life is so much easier when you figure out how to discern good from bad and better from good. Success in life comes when you master the skill of using your mind and your heart with integrity. Below are some suggestions to help when using good judgment feels cloudy:

Be present. This sounds simple enough, but ask yourself how many times you are distracted during a time that requires your input.

Delay your decision. Sometimes that small space of time between a thought and an action makes all the difference. For example, social media employs appealing advertisements that sometimes leave your wallet thinner, with little to nothing to show for it. By delaying a purchase for a day, you might find in that interim that you’re better off without the product.

Ask questions. Consider opinions and advice from those who are in a place to give you good insight. Research and gather information that will assist you in making a wise decision.

Ask for divine guidance. Appeal to a higher power when appropriate. Then listen.

Tune in to your own wisdom. Ask: Is this right? Does it feel right? If I choose this, will I feel good enough about it that I will be able to let go of the outcome? Will this decision keep me awake at night?

Apply your values. Does this go against your conscience? If your parent/child/spouse saw you do this, would you be ashamed?

Remember the old saying: “If your friends jumped off a cliff, would you do it, too?” Many parents seemed to use that one a lot when I was young. Or, as my mom might say, “If your friends were skipping school, would you do it, too?” Teens sometimes have a difficult time making the right decisions. Attentive parenting is essential in helping youth grow into responsible adults.

In adulthood, some choices are easy, and in maturity, you know exactly what to do. But sometimes you find yourself facing the dilemma of uncertainty—not knowing what is best or not feeling clarity about the right outcome. As you consider the suggestions listed above, add your own ideas that will help you make wise decisions. Practicing good judgment won’t just keep you out of trouble. It will help you succeed and thrive in big and small ways. It will attract quality relationships, keep you safe, and make everything in life more enjoyable. Here’s to your success.