Common Sense Is Built Through These 13 Behaviors

Common sense is the result of doing the following things.

A bearded man in a dark green button-up shirt stands against a light blue background. He has one hand crossed against his chest and the other hand touching his temple, with a thoughtful expression on his face.

Common sense isn’t a gift bestowed upon us at birth; it’s a skill cultivated through experience and mindful behavior. By adopting certain habits and approaches to life, we can sharpen our common sense and navigate the world more effectively. Let’s explore 13 key behaviors that contribute to building practical wisdom and sound judgment.

1. Thinking before you act.

A man with gray hair and a beard is standing with his arms crossed, facing to the side against a dark background. He is wearing a white t-shirt and appears thoughtful.

Pause, breathe, and consider. In our fast-paced world, the urge to react instantly can be overwhelming. Yet, taking a moment to reflect before acting can make all the difference. This brief interlude allows us to assess the situation, weigh potential outcomes, and choose the most appropriate response. It’s not about overthinking or paralysis by analysis, but rather giving ourselves the gift of clarity.

By cultivating this habit, we reduce the likelihood of rash decisions and their often unpleasant consequences. Remember, the few seconds you spend in thoughtful consideration could save you hours, days, or even years of regret.

2. Being prepared for multiple eventualities.

A red warning triangle is placed on the road, indicating a breakdown. In the background, a person wearing a high-visibility vest stands near a parked car with the trunk open. The scene is set on a tree-lined road.

I keep a few essentials in the boot of my car: first aid kit, blankets, reflective jackets, flashlight, and so on. Why? Because you can never predict when your car might break down or when someone hurts themselves. I’d rather have them and not need them than the other way around.

Being ready for various scenarios isn’t about pessimism; it’s about empowering yourself to handle whatever life throws your way. It’s the art of anticipating possibilities and equipping yourself with the tools or knowledge to navigate them. This mindset fosters resilience and adaptability, two crucial components of common sense.

3. Looking for the most efficient path to completing a task.

A man with a beard and a top knot is sitting at a desk, focused on working on a laptop. He is wearing a light blue shirt. The background features a bookshelf with plants and decorations, and a modern pendant light hanging from the ceiling.

Efficiency isn’t just about saving time; it’s about maximizing your resources and energy. When faced with a task, take a step back and survey the landscape. Are there shortcuts or tools that could streamline the process? Could you combine steps or eliminate unnecessary ones? This doesn’t mean cutting corners or sacrificing quality. Instead, it’s about working smarter, not harder.

By consistently seeking the most efficient route, you’ll develop a knack for problem-solving and resource management. This skill extends beyond individual tasks, helping you navigate life’s complexities with greater ease and effectiveness.

4. Recognizing the link between your actions and the outcomes you experience.

A close-up of a person with colorful hair in shades of purple, pink, and blonde wearing large round glasses. They have vibrant orange lipstick and appear to be outdoors in natural light. Their expression is calm and serene.

Life isn’t a series of random events; it’s a tapestry woven from the threads of our choices and actions. Developing an awareness of this cause-and-effect relationship is crucial for building common sense. When you make a decision or take an action, pay attention to the results. Did things turn out as expected? If not, why?

This reflection helps you understand the consequences of your choices and allows you to make more informed decisions in the future. It’s about taking responsibility for your life and recognizing your power to shape your experiences. This mindset fosters personal growth and empowers you to create positive change in your life.

5. Seeing the bigger picture.

A young woman with short dark hair, wearing large round glasses, a yellow beanie, and a dark green polka dot shirt, smiles while looking off to the side. The background is blurred cityscape.

Zoom out and take in the whole view. It’s easy to get caught up in the details of daily life, losing sight of the broader context. Developing the ability to step back and consider the larger implications of your actions and decisions is a hallmark of common sense.

This perspective allows you to make choices that align with your long-term goals and values, rather than just reacting to immediate circumstances. It also helps you understand how your actions fit into the wider world, fostering empathy and social awareness. By regularly practicing this wide-angle view, you’ll make more balanced and informed decisions that serve you well in the long run.

6. Thinking critically about the decisions you make and the perspectives you hold.

A blonde woman in a light sweater enjoys a warm drink from a white mug while gazing thoughtfully out of a window. Sunlight streams in, creating a serene and cozy atmosphere.

Critical thinking is the cornerstone of common sense, enabling you to navigate the complexities of modern life. It involves questioning assumptions, examining evidence, and considering alternative viewpoints. When making decisions or forming opinions, ask yourself: What’s the basis for this belief? Are there other perspectives I haven’t considered?

This approach helps you avoid falling into the trap of confirmation bias and enables you to make more rational choices. It’s not about being contrarian for its own sake, but about cultivating a mindset of curiosity and intellectual honesty that leads to better understanding and decision-making.

7. Considering potential risks in your surroundings.

Two men in plaid shirts are sitting on logs in a forest clearing. One is holding a bottle while the other, next to a chainsaw, has his arms resting on his knees. A backpack is on the ground near them. Tall trees and green foliage surround the scene.

Awareness is your first line of defense. Developing a habit of scanning your environment for potential hazards doesn’t make you paranoid—it’s about being proactively safe. This could mean checking for trip hazards in your home, being alert to suspicious behavior in public spaces, or considering the potential downsides of a business decision.

The key is to strike a balance between caution and paralysis. You’re not trying to predict every possible danger, but rather to cultivate a general sense of your surroundings and potential risks. This awareness allows you to make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions, ultimately leading to greater peace of mind and safety.

8. Learning from past experiences and mistakes.

Black and white portrait of an elderly man with a thoughtful expression. He has a full grey beard and hair, and is resting his chin on his crossed arms. He wears a pinstriped suit jacket and looks slightly to the side, with a pensive gaze.

Every experience, whether positive or negative, offers valuable lessons if you’re willing to reflect on them. When things go well, analyze why. When they don’t, resist the urge to brush it off or blame external factors. Instead, ask yourself: What could I have done differently? What can I learn from this?

This introspection isn’t about dwelling on past failures, but about extracting insights that can guide future decisions. By turning your experiences into learning opportunities, you’re constantly refining your common sense and judgment. And the goal isn’t to never make mistakes, but to avoid repeating them and to grow wiser with each experience.

9. Seeking clarification when you are unsure on something.

A man in a denim shirt and glasses points to a document on a table while a woman with long hair and a white vest listens attentively. They are working at a desk with a computer, notebook, and coffee cup in an office setting with greenery in the background.

In a world that often rewards confidence over competence, it takes courage to admit when you don’t know something. Yet, this willingness to ask questions is a crucial aspect of common sense. Whether you’re unclear about a work task, a friend’s intentions, or a complex topic, don’t hesitate to seek clarification. Frame your questions thoughtfully and listen actively to the answers.

This habit not only prevents misunderstandings and mistakes but also expands your knowledge and understanding. Moreover, it shows humility and a genuine desire to learn, traits that are highly valued in both personal and professional relationships.

10. Maintaining a healthy skepticism and fact-checking information.

A woman with long brown hair and wearing glasses and a white shirt is looking up thoughtfully with her hand on her chin. She stands against a gray background filled with large and small question marks.

In the age of information overload, discernment is key. A healthy dose of skepticism doesn’t mean cynicism or disbelief in everything. Rather, it’s about approaching information with a critical eye and a willingness to verify claims before accepting them as truth. When you encounter new information, especially if it seems surprising or aligns too perfectly with your existing beliefs, take a moment to check its source and look for corroborating evidence. This habit helps you navigate the sea of misinformation and make more informed decisions.

11. Staying organized and keeping track of important information.

A person with brown hair in a ponytail is reaching for a glass jar filled with brown contents on the top shelf of a white pantry. Other jars with grains and nuts are beside it. The bottom shelf holds a stack of blue plates.

Order is the bedrock of efficiency. In our fast-paced world, staying organized isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about creating systems that support your daily life and long-term goals. This could mean maintaining a calendar, using to-do lists, or having a designated place for important documents. The key is to find methods that work for you and stick to them consistently.

By keeping your physical and digital spaces organized, you free up mental energy for more important tasks. You’ll spend less time searching for things or trying to remember appointments, and more time focusing on what truly matters. This organizational mindset extends beyond just managing stuff; it’s about structuring your life in a way that supports your success and well-being.

12. Remaining calm in stressful situations.

A woman with medium-length hair, wearing a black tank top and beaded bracelets, stands with her eyes closed and hands pressed together in a prayer position. She appears to be in a calm and meditative state. The background is softly lit and minimalist.

When stress hits, our instinct might be to panic or react impulsively. However, maintaining composure in challenging situations is a crucial aspect of common sense. You don’t have to suppress your emotions, but rather manage them effectively. Take deep breaths, assess the situation objectively, and focus on what you can control.

By staying calm, you’re better able to think clearly, make rational decisions, and respond effectively to the challenge at hand. This skill not only helps you navigate difficult situations more successfully but also inspires confidence in those around you. Calmness is contagious, and by maintaining your cool, you can positively influence the entire atmosphere of a stressful situation.

13. Balancing emotions with logical thinking.

A woman with long dark hair and a thoughtful expression rests her chin on her hand while gazing into the distance. She is wearing a light pink top and appears to be in a well-lit indoor setting.

While emotions are an essential part of the human experience, allowing them to dominate our decision-making can lead to poor choices. On the flip side, pure logic without emotional consideration can result in decisions that feel hollow or unsatisfying.

The key is to find a balance. Acknowledge your feelings and the valuable information they provide, but also step back and analyze situations objectively. This might mean delaying important decisions until you’ve had time to process your emotions and consider the logical aspects. By integrating both emotional intelligence and rational thought, you’ll make decisions that are not only practical but also align with your values and long-term happiness.