Common Sense

“Common Sense” is a term that is often used but rarely understood or appreciated. Many people, however, consider it as an essential component of wisdom and judgment. But what is common sense, and why is it important in our daily lives?

Simply put, common sense is the ability to think and reason logically, using information and experience to make sound decisions. It is the ability to use good judgment, understand other people’s perspectives, and avoid making rash or irrational decisions.

The importance of common sense is evident in the everyday tasks we undertake. It is an essential tool in solving problems, making decisions, and handling situations that we face every day. Common sense helps us make decisions based on the facts and circumstances, rather than on our emotions or biases.

For instance, consider driving on a busy road. To avoid accidents, we need to apply common sense by following the traffic rules, watching for other cars and pedestrians, and keeping our eyes on the road. We should not use our phones while driving or drink and drive as doing so would be irrational and reckless.

Similarly, effective communication depends on using common sense. We need to listen actively and respond appropriately, taking care to respect the other person’s feelings and opinion. Using common sense when communicating will prevent misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

In the workplace, common sense plays a critical role in decision-making. As an employee, you have to think logically and critically to solve problems and make decisions. You must take into account the interests of the company, its clients, and its employees. Common sense enables you to be resourceful and innovative in tackling challenges and meeting goals.

In personal relationships, common sense allows us to understand and respect the feelings and perspectives of others. It helps us to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, as we learn to communicate effectively and express ourselves respectfully. Common sense also helps us to maintain our emotional health by recognizing and managing stress, controlling our impulses, and making positive choices.

However, despite the importance of common sense, it is not a skill that everyone possesses. Some people are naturally more intuitive, while others are more analytical. How can you develop common sense in your life? Here are some tips:

1. Stay informed: Read articles, books, watch the news, and listen to others’ opinions. Being informed about current events and issues will help you to be conversant and not be caught unawares.

2. Avoid rush decisions: Take the time to evaluate options and consider different perspectives before making a decision. Explore all options, identify risks and consider possible consequences to make an informed decision.

3. Discuss with knowledgeable people: Talk to experienced and knowledgeable people, they would provide a different angle on the situation to reconsider something and come to a productive solution.

4. Use empathy: Put yourself in another person’s shoes to understand their circumstance.

5. Be patient: Take the necessary time to reflect and gather information before making a decision that is fair and productive.

Common sense can help you become an effective and efficient decision-maker, problem solver and undoubtedly a better person. It helps us to navigate life’s ups and downs more effectively, to communicate and connect with others better, and to make informed decisions. In today’s world, where information is readily available and opinions can be easily manipulated, common sense is an invaluable tool. It is a skill we should all strive to develop and use daily.