Step Out of Judging Others – Six ways to be open minded instead
Judging others is a natural and easiest response, but it creates distance and limits our personal growth. Instead, what if we could shift our thinking and open ourselves to new perspectives? Here are six ways to start your path from judgment to embracing an open mind.
1. Run Your Own Race – Stay Focused on Your Journey
Everyone’s life is a different journey. Some people are just starting out, while others are further along their path. When we encounter others, we rarely know their full story—where they’ve been, what hardships they’ve overcome, or where they are headed. Without that context, judgment is unfair and misguided.
Instead, let’s replace judgment with compassion. See others for who they are, hear them, and celebrate their journey. When we focus on our unique life track, we become less concerned with comparing and more aligned with our own growth.
2. Shift Your Lens – Look for the Good
It’s easy to point out flaws, assign blame, or get caught in “what’s wrong.” But what if we consciously looked for the good in others and situations? The effort it takes to see the positive unlocks creativity and nurtures new possibilities.
When we approach life with openness, we learn to see potential where others might see problems. Every encounter becomes an opportunity to ask, What could this become?
3. Celebrate Uniqueness – Ask: What is This Really About?
Instead of dismissing what seems different, we can embrace it. A simple question—What is this really about?— expands and stretches our view point. Is there something new we can learn here? What makes this person or situation special?
When we immerse ourselves in the details, the more we can recognize what’s unique and worth celebrating. Every experience and individual has value; we must uncover it.
4. Know Your Own Biases – Catch Yourself Before You Judge
Judgments often come from hidden biases and assumptions rooted in our limited experiences. Recognizing our biases helps us avoid reacting on autopilot. With awareness, we create space to think differently and act with intention.
It helps to pause when we notice those mental shortcuts and challenge them. What if there’s more to this person than I assumed? What if their experience can expand my understanding?
5. Cultivate Genuine Curiosity – Learn to Love Without Conditions
Curiosity is the antidote to judgment. To truly connect with others, we need to shift from What do I think of them? to What can I learn from them? When we become curious, we open ourselves to deeper relationships and richer experiences.
Curiosity allows us to understand people for who they are—not who we think they should be. It’s easier to love others when we approach them with wonder instead of judgment.
6. Stop Comparing – Your Path is Yours Alone
Comparison is a thief of joy. It pulls us away from appreciating our unique journey and tricks us into feeling envious or inadequate. Instead of comparing, let’s be inspired by others’ successes and use them as fuel for our personal growth.
Remember: Your life path is the only one in this entire universe. It’s unique and it will never ever be repeated! No one else has your experiences, challenges, or opportunities. Growth happens when we focus inward, not by external measures against others.
Your Turn – What Stands Out for You?
Which of these points resonates most with you? Is there an area where you could grow or a mindset shift you’d like to make?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please share your insights in the comments below. Let’s grow together by embracing compassion, curiosity, and connection.
This blog post was written by Jomel Reyes Losorata with the help of AI.