Carl Jung once said, “Thinking is difficult, that’s why most people judge.” Unfortunately, that feels painfully true.
Being judgmental is toxic to our well-being. Mindfulness begins with a commitment to being non-judgemental—towards ourselves and others—and present in the moment. Quick judgements often unhelpfully inflate or deflate our sense of self-worth. But how does that actually serve our peace of mind?
True judgement involves reasoning. It requires informed understanding and the ability to consider things from multiple perspectives. Few issues are ever truly black and white. There’s a world of difference between rushing to judge someone and forming a considered, thoughtful, and objective conclusion.
The Bible reminds us that only God can truly judge, as only He sees the motives of the heart. It urges us to examine ourselves before casting judgement on others. That humility is crucial.
When we must judge, it’s vital to do so with care and fairness. It demands effort and deep thinking—qualities that are easy to overlook in our fast-paced lives. But proper judgement isn’t lazy; it’s deliberate. It requires slowing down, thinking critically, and being aware of our own biases. Thinking is difficult. So is being objective—but both are essential.
Perhaps we should start by identifying the areas of life that truly matter to us. Become well-informed in those domains. Learn to apply just and balanced judgement where it's meaningful—and release the rest. Judge yourself first. Only then, if needed, turn that lens outward.
Letting go of our judgemental tendencies is both grounding and empowering—but it’s not easy. Begin by choosing to judge less often and observe the impact. Notice how it changes your mindset, your relationships, your inner peace.
It’s definitely a work in progress. But every step towards being less judgemental and more thoughtful is a step towards greater wisdom and well-being.