How to Overcome Judgment & Step Into Growth

We all do it. We judge others. We judge situations. 

And, most of all, we judge ourselves.

You walk into a room where you don’t quite fit in, and suddenly, your mind goes into overdrive.

What are they thinking about me? 

Do I belong here? 

This is so uncomfortable.

I felt this way at a recent Kirtan chanting event. 

My mind was full of noise.

What if someone sees me here? 

What even are we chanting?

Do I close my eyes or keep them open? 

My discomfort turned into judgment - of the event, the people around me, and myself for even being there.

And I had to remind myself that judgment is just a sneaky defense mechanism. 

It’s what our brain does when we feel uncomfortable, uncertain, or vulnerable. 

The problem? It keeps us stuck. Stuck in fear. Stuck in old patterns. Stuck in a cycle where we avoid the very things that could lead to our growth.

If you’re ready to stop letting judgment control your emotions and decisions, here are some powerful strategies to help you break free.

Recognize Judgment as a Sign of Discomfort

Instead of seeing judgment as the truth, recognize it for what it is: a reaction to discomfort. 

The moment you catch yourself judging, pause and ask:

Am I judging because this is unfamiliar?  

Am I avoiding something that could help me grow  

What am I afraid of in this moment?  

This way, you can start shifting from judgment to curiosity.

Reframe Judgment into Curiosity

Judgment closes doors. Curiosity opens them. 

Instead of assuming or criticizing, ask yourself:

What can I learn from this person/situation?  

How might this experience benefit me in ways I don’t see yet?  

What if I leaned in instead of pulling away?  

Shifting from judgment to curiosity turns discomfort into an opportunity for growth.

Stop Letting the Fear of Judgment Control You.

We don’t just judge others - we also fear being judged. 

And that fear stops us from doing the things we truly want. 

We stay quiet in meetings. We don’t share our ideas. We hesitate to take risks.

But you know what? Most people aren’t thinking about you as much as you think they are.

They have their own shit to deal with! So, ask yourself:

What would I do if I wasn’t afraid of what others thought?  

Then go and do that thing. It’s freeing - trust me!

Sit in the Discomfort—That’s Where Growth Happens

Growth isn’t comfortable. If it were, everyone would do it! 

When you feel yourself resisting something new or different, that’s your sign to lean in.

If it challenges you, it’s probably expanding you.  

If it feels unfamiliar, it’s probably shifting something inside you.  

If it makes you uncomfortable, it’s probably where you need to be.  

The discomfort won’t last forever - but the growth will.

Be Kind To Yourself

Being human is messy! 

We’re all just doing our best, and judging ourselves harshly only makes things harder. 

So, the next time you catch yourself in self-judgment, try this:

Speak to yourself like you would a friend. Would you criticize them this harshly?  

Remind yourself that growth is a process, not perfection.  

Celebrate your efforts instead of waiting to celebrate only the outcomes.  

The EQ Edge: Break Free from Judgment & Step Into Confidence

If you’re ready to stop letting judgment and fear control you - and start showing up with confidence, clarity, and emotional strength - The EQ Edge is for you.

In this program, I teach the basics of mastering your emotions, stopping your overthinking, and cultivating unshakable self-trust so you can grow without fear holding you back.

Email me at coaching@lareetekanawa.com to grab your spot today!