Ever blurted something out without thinking it through, or made a decision that left people scratching their heads?
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. “Common sense” can be a bit of a mystery, and sometimes it feels like we’re missing the memo. Here are a few reasons why you might be lacking in the common sense department, and more importantly, what you can do about it.
1. You rely heavily on emotions to make decisions.
When faced with a choice, do you often go with your gut feeling instead of thinking things through logically? While emotions play an important role in our lives, relying solely on them can lead to impulsive decisions that lack common sense. Try to take a step back, weigh the pros and cons, and consider the potential consequences before acting.
2. You lack real-world experience.
Sometimes, common sense comes from experience – learning from our mistakes and observing how other people handle situations. If you’ve been sheltered or haven’t had many opportunities to navigate real-world challenges, your common sense might be a bit underdeveloped. Don’t worry, you can gain experience by actively looking for new challenges, learning new skills, and observing how other people approach problems.
3. You tend to overthink things.
While careful consideration is important, overthinking can sometimes cloud our judgment and make it difficult to see the obvious solution. If you find yourself getting stuck in analysis paralysis, try to simplify the problem, break it down into smaller steps, and focus on the most practical solution. Sometimes, the simplest answer is the right one.
4. You struggle to read social cues.
Common sense often involves understanding social dynamics and picking up on subtle cues. If you have difficulty reading body language, facial expressions, or tone of voice, it can lead to misunderstandings and awkward situations. Practice observing how people interact, pay attention to non-verbal cues, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you’re unsure of what someone is trying to convey.
5. You find it hard to prioritise information.
When faced with a lot of information, it’s important to be able to prioritise what’s important and relevant. If you tend to get overwhelmed by details or struggle to identify the key points, it can affect your decision-making. Try to focus on the most crucial information, ask for clarification if needed, and break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts.
6. You avoid asking for help or advice.
Sometimes, we lack common sense simply because we don’t know what we don’t know. If you’re too proud or embarrassed to ask for help or advice, you might miss out on valuable insights and guidance. Remember, there’s no shame in seeking help, and it can often be the quickest way to learn and grow.
7. You’re easily distracted or have trouble focusing.
If you’re easily sidetracked or struggle to focus on the task at hand, it can impact your ability to make sound decisions. Try to minimise distractions, create a quiet workspace, and break down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. You can also try mindfulness techniques to improve your focus and attention span.
8. You’re resistant to change or new ideas.
Common sense often involves adapting to new situations and being open to different perspectives. If you’re set in your ways and resistant to change, it can hinder your ability to learn and grow. Try to embrace new experiences, challenge your assumptions, and be willing to consider different viewpoints. This can open up new possibilities and help you develop a more well-rounded perspective.
9. You have trouble admitting when you’re wrong.
Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone can admit them. If you struggle to acknowledge when you’re wrong or find yourself making excuses or blaming people, it can be a sign of a lack of common sense. Owning up to your mistakes shows maturity and a willingness to learn from them. Remember, apologising and making amends can strengthen relationships and build trust.
10. You take unnecessary risks.
Common sense often involves assessing risks and making decisions that minimise potential harm. If you find yourself regularly taking unnecessary risks, whether it’s in your personal life, finances, or career, it might be time to reconsider your approach. Take a moment to weigh the potential consequences of your actions and choose the path that offers the best balance of risk and reward.
11. You ignore warning signs or red flags.
Sometimes, common sense is simply paying attention to warning signs or red flags. If you find yourself repeatedly ignoring intuition or dismissing warning signs, it can lead to unpleasant consequences. Trust your gut feeling, pay attention to your surroundings, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from other people if something seems off.
12. You struggle to learn from your mistakes.
Making mistakes is a natural part of life, but the key is to learn from them and avoid repeating the same errors. If you find yourself making the same mistakes over and over again, it could be a sign that you’re not reflecting on your actions or taking the necessary steps to improve. Take some time to analyse your mistakes, identify patterns, and develop strategies to avoid repeating them in the future.
13. You lack basic life skills.
Common sense often includes practical skills like cooking, cleaning, managing finances, and navigating basic social interactions. If you lack these basic skills, it can make everyday life more challenging and lead to unnecessary stress. Invest time in learning these essential skills, whether it’s through online courses, books, or seeking guidance from experienced friends or family members.
14. You have difficulty setting boundaries.
Common sense also involves setting healthy boundaries in relationships and interactions. If you struggle to say no, overcommit yourself, or let people take advantage of you, it can lead to resentment and burnout. Learn to prioritise your own needs and establish clear boundaries to protect your time, energy, and well-being.
15. You’re easily influenced by other people.
While seeking advice and input from the people around you is helpful, blindly following the crowd or being easily swayed by peer pressure can lead to poor decision-making. It’s important to develop your own critical thinking skills and trust your own judgment. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain if you believe something is wrong or doesn’t align with your values.
16. You struggle to manage your time effectively.
Common sense often involves managing your time wisely and prioritise things in the most efficient way. If you’re constantly running late, missing deadlines, or feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, it’s time to reassess your time management strategies. Learn to prioritise tasks, set realistic deadlines, and break down large projects into smaller, more manageable chunks.
17. You don’t know how to adapt to new situations.
Life is full of unexpected changes and challenges, and common sense often involves being able to adapt to new situations quickly and effectively. If you find yourself panicking or feeling overwhelmed when things don’t go according to plan, try to stay calm, assess the situation, and come up with a solution. Practice flexibility and adaptability in your daily life to better prepare yourself for the unexpected.
18. You have a hard time understanding the consequences of your actions.
Common sense involves thinking ahead and considering the potential consequences of your choices. If you tend to act impulsively without considering the long-term effects, it can lead to regrets and setbacks. Before deciding, take a moment to consider how your actions might affect you and other people in the future. This can help you make wiser choices and avoid unnecessary problems.
