We often hear the phrase: ‘Don’t judge others.”.
Really, because I get paid to do this. In fact, if I didn’t judge, I wouldn't be doing my job!
Let me explain: A patient comes into my office limping and complains of pain in their R ankle. They tell me they need help. Now, what if I said: “I would love to help you, but society has taught me not to judge.”. Would that be good customer service? Would I be doing my job well? I don’t think so. If I don’t judge this patient and figure what is causing the ankle pain and limping, this person may not get better.
If referees didn’t judge, the game would never end.
If a judges didn’t judge, there would be no rule of law.
Bottom line: Progress only occurs through judging. If we don’t judge something, how can we improve upon it? How do you make something better? You assess where it is now (you judge it), and then you make changes. Then, you reassess it (you judge it again). You keep repeating this process until you are satisfied and have gotten the result you desire.
Now that we’ve clarified how judging is not all that bad, let’s take a closer look at judgment. Passing judgement is something totally different. Being judgmental means you have already made up your mind about someone or something prematurely (often based on past experiences; biases; beliefs; and/or prejudices). This often leads to a lack of progress; negative stagnation; and many missed potential opportunities for learning, growth, and evolution.
As such:
Judging often leads to positive change.
Judgement often leads to no change.
By the way, when people say: “You shouldn’t judge.”, is that not being judgmental?
Just something to consider.
