I wanted to piggyback on my article from last week in regard to financial success and security. It always comes down to decisions…yet….we can’t leave out the one thing which can and should drive us to make good decisions. Common sense!
Common sense is a term we often use. Do you know what it really means?
At its core, common sense refers to the ability to make sound judgments based on practical knowledge and everyday experience. It is about applying logic, reasoning, and an understanding of how things typically work to navigate life’s and Business challenges and decisions.
While it may seem like an innate quality, it isn’t. However, common sense is a skill that can easily be developed and refined over time. It plays a significant role in our personal and professional lives, influencing how we respond to situations, interact with others, and solve problems.
Key elements of common sense;
- Practical Reasoning: The making of decisions based on what is feasible and effective in a given situation.
- Awareness: Understanding the context of a situation and the potential consequences of your actions.
- Adaptability: The ability to adjust to new circumstances and think on your feet.
- Empathy: Recognizing and respecting the needs and feelings of others, which helps in building stronger relationships.
Why is common sense important?
- Problem-Solving; Life is full of unexpected challenges and surprises. Common sense helps us think critically and find practical solutions without over-complicating matters.This is so important when it comes to Managing your team. As Business owners, we have to realize, all problems are solvable. Do you solve them in a pro-active way…or a re-active way?
- Improved Decision-Making; Common sense helps in making everyday decisions. This could be managing finances to maintaining healthy relationships. It helps us to weigh our options and choose what hopefully will be the most logical path forward. Decision making is methodical. Sometimes we just need to take a deep breath, so we see common sense through the BS our mind continuously plays on us.
- Better Interpersonal Relationships; Understanding social cues, showing empathy, and acting with consideration are all aspects of common sense that strengthen personal and professional relationships. When this is missing it’s like taking the long way up a short road.
- Safety and Well-Being; Many aspects of common sense are rooted in safety—like looking both ways before crossing the street. These simple practices protect us and those around us.
- Professional Success; In the workplace, common sense is a valuable asset. It allows us to prioritize tasks, adapt to changing circumstances, and collaborate effectively. And…it builds teamwork
How do we develop common sense?
- Learn from Experience; Everyday situations teach valuable lessons. Pay attention to those outcomes and use them to guide your future decisions.
- Stay Observant; Take time to notice how others handle situations. You can learn a lot from watching how people approach challenges or interact with their environment. Just be careful who you watch!
- Ask Questions; When in doubt, seek clarity. Asking questions helps you gain knowledge and make more informed decisions. Remember..there are no stupid questions!
- Practice Mindfulness; Being present and aware of your surroundings allows you to respond to situations more effectively.
- Reflect on Mistakes; We all make mistakes, but analyzing them can provide valuable insights that improve your judgment over time. I personally don’t like to call them mistakes. I look at everyone success and failure as a learning opportunity. What can you take out of each experience to make your next success or failure…more manageable?
Common sense is a powerful yet understated skill that impacts nearly every facet of life. It may not always be flashy or celebrated, but its importance cannot be overstated. By cultivating practical reasoning, awareness, and adaptability, you can harness the power of common sense to lead a safer, more fulfilling, and successful life.
So, the next time you’re faced with a decision or a challenge, pause and ask yourself: “What does common sense tell me?” More often than not, the answer will guide you in the right direction.
Now, take any new information you may have learned from my blog and apply it to your journey in cutting unnecessary cost and discover what is most important for you and your Business.
- Where do you want to be a year from now?
- How are you going to make that happen?
- Just do it!
CJ Murray, President
