Unlock Wisdom with Perspective & Judgment

Looking for ways to handle stress better and bounce back from tough times? Want to boost your wellbeing as you get older, make smarter choices, and avoid being misled? This week, we’re focusing on two powerful strengths-perspective and judgement-that can help you do just that.

Like last week’s strengths of creativity and curiosity, perspective and judgment are part of the “wisdom” family. Let’s see how building these skills can help you live with more clarity, resilience, and meaning.

The “Perspective” Strength: Seeing the Bigger Picture in Life

Perspective is more than just intelligence-it’s about understanding the world in a way that makes sense to you and others. With perspective, you can:

• Weigh different viewpoints before making decisions
• Offer thoughtful advice
• Consider life’s big questions about meaning and how to live well

This strength helps you navigate challenges with wisdom and empathy, making your insights valuable to yourself and those around you.

Perspective in Action:

When life hits you with more changes than you think you can handle, perspective becomes a lifeline. Last year, I faced a whirlwind of changes: my father passed away suddenly, both my daughters left for college, and I turned 50. It was a lot to take in, and it made me stop and really think about what matters most to me.

I started reflecting on what meaningful work looks like, how to age with grace, how to build stronger relationships, and how to find a deeper sense of purpose while making the most of every moment. Sometimes, I’d talk things through with friends or a coach; other times, I’d sort out my thoughts in a journal. Leaning on perspective helped me navigate those big changes and find clarity in the chaos.

5 Questions to Increase Perspective

1. What values or priorities are most important to me now?
2. How have I faced setbacks in the past and what did I learn?
3. Are there any opportunities hidden in my current challenges?
4. How can I connect with something greater than myself?
5. Imagine you’re at the end of your life-how would you finish this sentence: “I wish I would have spent more time ________”?

The “Judgment” Strength: Clear and Open-Minded Thinking

Judgment is the strength that helps you make rational, logical choices. It means:

• Analyzing ideas, opinions, and facts before deciding
• Practicing critical thinking and weighing evidence fairly
• Examining all sides of an issue instead of jumping to conclusions
• Staying open-minded and willing to change your mind when new evidence appears

With good judgment, you make wiser decisions and approach challenges with clarity and fairness.

Judgment in Action:

When my younger daughter thought about switching her college major from chemistry to psychology, she put her judgment skills to work. She didn’t just think about which classes she liked more-she also took time to imagine what her future would look like in each field. She weighed the differences between working in a lab as a chemist and connecting with people as a therapist. In the end, she chose the path that let her use her listening skills and passion for supporting others’ mental health.

5 Activities to Build Judgement

1. Reflect on a recent decision you weren’t happy with. Brainstorm better alternatives for next time.
2. In conversations, ask questions to understand others’ perspectives before sharing your own.
3. Expose yourself to new cultures, ideas, and people-read, watch, or listen to something outside your usual interests.
4. When someone’s actions upset you, try to assume positive intent and consider what might be influencing them.
5. Ask for feedback from people with different backgrounds or viewpoints, and use their input to challenge your assumptions.

This Week’s Strength Challenge:

I’d love to hear from you! Leave me a comment and tell me:

How will you bring more perspective & judgement into your week? Try one of the ideas above or create your own.

Want to Go Deeper?

If you’re interested in a personalized strengths exploration, I’m offering a limited number of discounted strength sessions this summer. Email me at dianna@collierclan.net for details.