There was a time when I was struggling with my job, spending long hours at work, taking on more work than I could possibly handle, just to prove myself.

I observed a colleague, come in any time of the day and leave quite early. This used to surprise and irritate me. “How can she come in so late while all of us here are always on time. How can she leave early! She is really taking liberties. I am sure she knows some big shot in the organization!”

My beliefs, perception and intolerance was leading me to be judgmental. This was reflecting, not on how the other person was behaving, rather on my mental maturity.

Now, when I look back, I realize how low my self-esteem was during those days. I was trying to justify that I was right. Was it my ego speaking? Was I trying to cover up my shortcomings?

Later I learnt that my colleague was taking care of her elderly mother who was bed-ridden. She would put in her best at work, not taking breaks and maintaining focus, so as to complete her work and also have time to nurse her mother.

There is always an intent behind everything that we do. There is even an intent behind why a thief robs.

We try to have our beliefs ingrained into our mind and body in such a way that they appear to be the truth.Once we understand that perceptions and beliefs get in the way of our interactions with people, we can appreciate the value of being non-judgmental. 

Being inclusive and non-judgmental saves us from using excuses to cover up our limitations. Being comfortable and appreciative of self leads us to be more understanding and mutually inclusive.

So let us work towards being critical of self, not others.

As we near the end of the workout, go to Day 20: Groove On.

Look back at all previous posts of the “21 Days Mind Workout”:

Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7,

Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14,

Day 15, Day 16, Day 17, Day 18