Judgement-Free Zone

I think most people are aware of Planet Fitness' culture of "Judgement-Free Zone". It means don't judge others for what they look like and where they are on their fitness journey. This is a great concept however many of us also know that they are actually very judgemental of bodybuilders and powerlifters, calling them "Lunk-heads". If you are to truly be judgement-free you cannot put exceptions to that philosophy.

As humans, we have been conditioned to build stories and make judgments about almost everything we encounter. It's how our brain fills in the missing details. From people and their behavior, to the situations we find ourselves in, we are constantly making judgments. While some of these judgments may be necessary for our survival, many of them are unnecessary and often unfair. In this post, we will discuss the concept of judgement and provide tips on how to become judgment-free.

Becoming judgment-free is about learning to communicate with others on an authentic level, allowing us to appreciate individuals for who they truly are. Here are some tips to help you become judgment-free:

1. Don't be judgemental of yourself

In order to stop judging others you have to first stop judging yourself. People are so cruel to themselves - "I'm fat. I'm stupid. I'm ugly. I'm lazy." No you're not! You're human. You are imperfect like the rest of us. Be kind to yourself. Work on what you want to improve and accept and love what you cannot change.

2. Recognize your biases

The first step to becoming judgment-free is to recognize that we all have biases. We may judge someone based on their race, religion, politics or even their social status. Recognizing these biases is the first step in overcoming them.

A story to illustrate this is the other day I was enjoying a burger and beer in a local pub and there were about 15 people there from a local motorcycle club. Naturally there are biases that come up with these types of clubs but what I found interesting was that as they were leaving they were hugging each other and saying "I love you, Brother."

Put aside your judgements and see people for the flawed but good people they are. Everyone has the capacity to love and to be loved.

3. Practice empathy

Empathy allows us to put ourselves in the shoes of others, helping us to understand their feelings and perspectives. By practicing empathy, we can reduce the negative impact our judgments may have on others.

4. Focus on the positives

Instead of focusing on someone's flaws, try to focus on their positive qualities. This will help you appreciate them for who they truly are, rather than letting your biases cloud your perception.

5. Be More Kind

Be more kind to yourself. Be more kind to people around you. Be kind to those that you think probably don't deserve it. But sometimes the angriest people are the ones that are most hurt and need it the most. You have no idea the impact a kind word or gesture can have on a person's life.

In conclusion, becoming judgment-free is an ongoing process that requires self-awareness, practice and patience. It requires us to recognize our biases, practice empathy, focus on the positives, and challenge ourselves to approach the world with kindness. By doing so, we can create meaningful connections with others, enhance our relationships, and experience a more fulfilling life.