25 Ways to Improve Your Judgment

Ever look back at a decision and just think, “What was I thinking?”

I’ve been there more times than I can count. My life used to be a highlight reel of poor judgment. I spent years stuck in a cycle of gaming addiction, binge eating, and complete laziness. I was over 110 pounds overweight and felt trapped. Every choice I made seemed to dig the hole a little deeper. Improving my judgment felt impossible.

But it’s not.

Judgment isn’t some magical gift you’re born with. It’s a skill. It’s a muscle you can strengthen with practice. It took me a long time to learn this, but every small, intentional choice helped me climb out of that hole and build a life I’m proud of.

You can do it too. Here are 25 ways to start improving your judgment today.

Get Your Mind Right First

Before you can make a good decision, you need to be in the right headspace. Don’t rush into things when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

Slow Down. The single biggest mistake is making a decision in a hurry. Just pause. Give yourself a moment to breathe before you react or commit.
Find a Quiet Place. It’s hard to think clearly with phones buzzing and people talking. Step away from the noise. Go for a walk. Sit in a quiet room. Let your thoughts settle.
Pray for Guidance. This is my non-negotiable first step. When I feel lost or unsure, I turn to God. I ask for wisdom and clarity. It centers me and reminds me that I’m not relying solely on my own limited understanding.
Define the Real Problem. Are you really arguing about who takes out the trash, or are you feeling unappreciated? Take a minute to figure out what you’re actually trying to solve.
Check Your Values. Ask yourself: “Does this choice align with the person I want to be?” For me, this means filtering decisions through my Christian faith. Does this honor God? Does it help me serve others? A choice that violates your core values will almost always be the wrong one.

Gather Your Facts (and Your People)

Good judgment rarely happens in a vacuum. You need good information and outside perspectives to see the full picture.

Talk to Someone Wise. Find a person you trust—a mentor, a wise family member, a good friend—and ask for their thoughts. You don’t have to do what they say, but their perspective can reveal things you missed.
Play Devil’s Advocate. Intentionally argue against the choice you’re leaning toward. This simple exercise forces you to see the potential downsides and weaknesses in your own logic.
Look at the Facts. Separate what you feel from what you know. What are the objective, undeniable facts of the situation? Write them down if you have to.
Consider the Source. Who is giving you information or advice? Do they have your best interests at heart? Are they knowledgeable on the subject? A little skepticism is healthy.
Think Long-Term. This was a game-changer for me. When I was addicted to gaming and junk food, I only thought about immediate pleasure. Now, I ask: “How will I feel about this decision in a day? A week? A year?” This simple question stops so many bad choices in their tracks.

Know Yourself and Your Triggers

We are often our own worst enemies. Understanding your own weaknesses and emotional patterns is crucial for making sound judgments.

Identify Your Biases. We all have them. For example, we tend to seek out information that confirms what we already believe. Be honest with yourself about your own mental shortcuts.
Are You Hungry or Tired? This sounds simple but it’s huge. I learned the hard way that when I was tired or stressed, my judgment went out the window. That’s when I’d binge eat or make other impulsive choices. Never make a big decision when your basic needs aren’t met.
Check Your Emotions. Are you making this decision out of anger, fear, pride, or excitement? Emotions cloud judgment. Let the initial emotional wave pass before you commit to a course of action.
Know Your Weak Spots. If you’re trying to save money, don’t “just browse” your favorite online store. If you’re trying to eat healthy, don’t keep junk food in the house. Steer clear of situations that you know will test your weak spots.
Celebrate Small Wins. Every time you make a good small decision, acknowledge it. This builds confidence. When I started my weight loss journey, celebrating losing the first pound gave me the belief I could lose the second. It creates momentum.

Make the Call with Confidence

After you’ve done the prep work, it’s time to actually decide. This part can be scary, but these steps can make it clearer.

Imagine the Worst-Case Scenario. What is the absolute worst thing that could happen if you make this choice? Is it truly that bad? Can you handle it? Often, our fears are much bigger than reality.
Imagine the Best-Case Scenario. What’s the potential upside? Is the possible reward worth the risk you just identified?
Trust Your Informed Gut. After you’ve prayed, gathered facts, and checked your emotions, what does your gut say? This isn’t about a blind leap. It’s about listening to the quiet wisdom that comes after you’ve done your homework.
Write It Down. A simple pros and cons list is still one of the most powerful decision-making tools in the world. Seeing it on paper makes it real and much easier to analyze.
Set a Deadline. Don’t get stuck in “analysis paralysis,” where you overthink things forever. Give yourself a reasonable deadline to make the call and then stick to it.

Learn and Move Forward

Great judgment isn’t about being right 100% of the time. It’s about learning from every outcome, good or bad.

Review Your Decisions. After the fact, take a moment to reflect. What went right? What went wrong? What would you do differently next time?
Don’t Dwell on Mistakes. When you make a bad call—and you will—learn the lesson and move on. Beating yourself up does nothing productive. Accept grace, for yourself and from God, and focus on the next choice.
Accept Imperfection. Striving for perfect judgment will only lead to frustration. Aim for progress, not perfection.
Read Widely. Learn from the stories, mistakes, and wisdom of others. Read history, biographies, and the Bible. You can learn so much from people who have already walked the path.
Stay Humble. The moment you think you have it all figured out is the moment you’re most likely to make a foolish mistake. Acknowledge that you’re always learning and always have room to grow.