We constantly measure. Each moment we have an experience, we assess, evaluate, judge, and in turn, we compare and measure.
The basis for our measurement is typically not fact based but instead a personal system carefully cultivated from our own familiarities and biases. These pliable criteria reflect our beliefs, experiences, thoughts, and subjective perspectives of almost anything. We apply it to people and situations. Unknowingly, we are constantly measuring.
Yet, this system is flawed. It favors experiences with those we align with, or that support us directly. It justifies our own words, actions, and behaviors, and applies leniency to our shortcomings. It is unforgiving of people or situations unfamiliar, opposed, or in conflict with our system. There are questionable consistency and accountability in the application.
We will not eliminate this basis of measurement, but we can improve on it. A few questions to consider:
- What is the basis for our judgment, and do we need to have one at all?
- Do we apply this equally to people and situations we favor or disfavor, and ourselves?
- What past prejudice do we bring to evaluate this current situation?
Will these reflections shed a brighter light on a situation and bring us to altered conclusions? While they may not change our viewpoints, they may increase our openness to diverse outlooks worthy of further consideration, alternate reactions, and lead to alternative outcomes, when we evaluate people and situations. Our lens will be hazy but our vision may improve.
