Practicing discernment.
Often times, second-hand information stems from half-truths that can quickly morph into something completely void of any truth. Taking someone else’s word on matters that are important to you personally or professionally poses risk. Whenever possible, it’s best to go straight to the source to discern the truth before taking action.
What is discernment? Discernment is the ability to understand subtle differences, perceive the truth or nature of something and make wise judgements.
Just like anything else, discernment takes practice. Through careful observation and the use of your intuition, you can refine your perception or ability to see and understand things clearly. You can pick up on subtle nuances and patterns in order to make sound judgements on situations or find the true meaning behind someone’s words, even if they are not explicitly stated. Here’s how:
Cultivate critical thinking – question assumptions, analyze information, evaluate arguments and seek evidence; if it doesn’t pass your litmus test, keep searching for answers
Seek guidance from trusted sources – consult with well-intended, highly intuitive and credible people
Seek diverse perspectives – read widely and converse with people who have different viewpoints
Practice empathy – put yourself in others’ shoes, recognize your shared humanity and be open to change or simply to agree to disagree
Engage in self-reflection – reflect on your decisions and learn from your experiences
Practice mindfulness – spend time praying, meditating, walking in nature, journaling, practicing gratitude, etc. to develop your own intuition or inner guidance system
Discernment is not only an incredibly important skill at work, it is essential in our day-to-day lives:
Understanding complex situations
Making good decisions (like what we choose to consume)
Recognizing patterns that need to be addressed or changed
Recognizing deception
Understanding the motives of others
Identifying hidden meanings
Knowing what questions to ask
Additionally, discernment can help us use our resources wisely, such as the best way to use our talents, money, time and energy to be productive, serve others and make a positive impact in all aspects of our lives.
Discernment isn’t innate. Cultivating discernment takes time and experience. It is about learning how to observe with care, curiosity and good intention; it’s about distinguishing between what is important versus what is urgent; it’s about choosing how we spend our time and with whom. The more we sharpen our discernment skills, the more we will grow and advance in our professional and personal lives and trust ourselves to do what is best in any circumstance.