Today you’re going to learn how to increase common sense.
Common sense refers to practical judgment that is typically acquired through life experiences rather than formal training. Developing common sense may appear challenging, but you can easily cultivate it by being more mindful and reflective before making decisions.
As you enhance your common sense, you will become capable of making wiser choices. Here are some approaches to practice and enhance your common sense:
How To Increase Common Sense:
1. Evaluate the risks and benefits of a decision before selecting a course of action.
Consider the potential positive and negative outcomes associated with the decision at hand. You can either mentally assess these factors for quick decisions or create a pros and cons list to determine the best course of action.
Weighing your options will help you identify the choice that offers the most favorable outcome. For instance, if someone offers you an alcoholic drink while underage, the rewards might involve socializing and a free beverage, but the risks include potential legal troubles. The sensible choice would be to decline the drink.
2. Trust your initial instincts without over-analyzing.
Sometimes, your gut reaction can guide you towards the right decision. Pay attention to your initial thoughts or feelings when faced with a choice.
Consider the potential consequences, both positive and negative, and if your initial response seems to be the best option, go with it. For example, if someone offers you an alcoholic drink while underage, your first instinct is typically to decline due to the understanding that it could lead to trouble if caught.
3. Gain clarity by considering alternative perspectives.
You may find it easier to provide advice to a friend than to give yourself the same guidance. When confronted with a difficult decision, mentally step back and imagine yourself observing someone else in the same situation.
Reflect on what advice you would offer them, based on the wisest and most sensible decision. If the choice is something you wouldn’t recommend to a friend, then it’s likely not the best choice for you either.
For instance, if you discover a jacket at school that doesn’t belong to you but you’re tempted to keep it, consider what advice you would give a friend in a similar scenario. Most likely, you would advise them to return it to the lost and found, which should guide your own decision.
4. Seek feedback from a trusted individual if you’re unsure about a decision.
It’s perfectly alright to feel uncertain when faced with a challenging decision. Reach out to a parent, guardian, guidance counselor, or a trusted friend and explain the situation you’re facing.
Discuss your potential choices with them to benefit from their input, as they may possess more life experience and have encountered similar dilemmas in the past. For example, you could approach your mother and say, “Mom, I’m having difficulty determining the right decision. Can we talk about it?”
Make sure to seek feedback from individuals (1) who serve as positive influences since those who make poor decisions may not offer common sense advice. Consider gathering input from respected peers, mentors, or supervisors.
5. Understand that making occasional wrong decisions is normal.
Everyone makes mistakes and decisions they later regret, but these missteps don’t signify complete failure. If you recognize that you’ve made a poor choice, take time to reflect on it and identify the alternative decision that would have yielded a better outcome.
When faced with a similar decision in the future, opt for the improved choice rather than repeating past errors. For instance, if you wore sneakers to the beach and ended up with sand in your shoes, you would choose to wear flip flops on your next beach visit. By reflecting on your actions and increasing self-awareness, you will make better decisions and develop your common sense.
Understanding yourself is key to anticipating reactions and outcomes. Additionally, observing individuals who make poor decisions can be as instructive as learning from those who consistently make wise choices.
6. Avoid engaging in activities that you know are detrimental to your well-being.
Individuals with common sense make decisions based on what will yield the most positive outcomes. If there are activities that you are aware are harmful, such as smoking or driving under the influence, refrain from engaging in them as they can have adverse effects on your life.
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each option to make the optimal decision. For instance, common sense dictates that purchasing something you cannot afford would be an unwise choice, as it will lead to financial difficulties in the future.
7. Cultivate greater awareness of your surroundings.
Maintain constant vigilance of your environment and take note of how people react to specific actions. Utilize your common sense to make decisions based on the circumstances around you. For instance, when crossing the street, wait until there are no cars passing by to ensure your safety.
Observe people’s facial expressions and body language when you are in their presence to gauge their reactions. If they avoid eye contact or lean away from you, common sense would suggest ending the conversation as it indicates disinterest.
8. Opt for options that are most practical in a given situation.
When faced with a decision, consider the practicality of each choice by weighing their pros and cons (2). Take the time to think through the available options before taking action, so you can make the most favorable decision moving forward. Rely on your best judgment to reduce the likelihood of negative consequences.
9. Exercise caution in your speech to avoid regrettable remarks.
Before uttering anything that could be offensive or hurtful, put yourself in the recipient’s shoes and consider how it would feel if someone said the same thing to you. If it’s something that would make you feel uncomfortable, common sense should guide you to choose different words that are not hurtful or to remain silent.
Always reconsider your words to ensure they are conveyed in the best possible manner. This applies not only to spoken words but also to written communication such as texts, emails, or letters. Review what you have written to ensure clarity and to prevent misinterpretation.
10. Acknowledge that there are certain things beyond your control.
Common sense dictates that certain events occur without our ability to alter their outcomes. However, these events should not have a negative impact on your life.
Learn to accept the results and search for positive aspects that emerge from the situation. This will allow you to adopt a more optimistic perspective and pursue the most beneficial path.
For example, if you performed poorly on a test, it may initially make you feel down, but you can recognize that there will be more tests in the course and opportunities to improve. Prepare and study for the next test so that you can achieve better results.
In sumamry, developing common sense involves cultivating sound judgment and practical decision-making skills based on life experiences. Here are some key points discussed in this chat:
- Evaluate risks and rewards: Consider the potential positive and negative outcomes of a decision before choosing a course of action. Weigh the options and choose the one that offers the best outcome.
- Trust your instincts: Your initial gut reactions often guide you towards the right decision. Consider your first thoughts and feelings, and if they align with the best choice, follow them.
- Gain perspective: Step back and imagine yourself advising someone else in the same situation. Think about what advice would be the wisest and most sensible. Make decisions that you would recommend to others.
- Seek feedback from trusted individuals: When unsure about a decision, reach out to trustworthy people for their input. Discuss the situation and consider their insights, drawing from their life experience.
- Learn from mistakes: Everyone makes errors, but it’s crucial to reflect on poor decisions and understand the better choices. Use past mistakes as learning opportunities for future decision-making.
- Avoid harmful actions: Make choices that prioritize your well-being and avoid engaging in activities that have negative consequences, such as smoking or driving under the influence.
- Stay aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your environment and observe how people react to certain actions. Use this awareness to make informed decisions.
- Prioritize practicality: Consider the practicality of options when faced with a decision. Evaluate the pros and cons and choose the option that is most practical in the given situation.
- Think before you speak: Consider the impact of your words and choose them wisely. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes to ensure your communication is respectful and considerate.
- Embrace outcomes beyond your control: Accept that some events cannot be changed and focus on finding positive aspects within them. Look for opportunities for growth and improvement.
By incorporating these principles into your decision-making process and continuously reflecting on your actions, you can develop and enhance your common sense.
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my article about how to increase common sense. I sincerely hope its contents have been a good help to you.
