We all have habits – some good, some bad. But did you know that certain habits can actually make you more discerning than others?

Being discerning isn’t about being judgemental; it’s about making wise choices and seeing things clearly without getting swayed by others.

If you’re the type who likes to think before acting, or if you love seeking out perspectives beyond the usual, then you’re probably more discerning than most. And frankly, these habits are often what sets you apart.

In this piece, we’re going to delve into eight such habits. If you find yourself nodding along as you read through them, then congratulations – you’re likely a discerning individual!

1) You’re a critical thinker

Critical thinking is a skill that many people claim to possess, but few genuinely do. If you’re someone who doesn’t just accept information at face value, you might be more discerning than others.

This habit is all about examining facts, questioning assumptions, and weighing evidence before making decisions. It’s not about being argumentative or stubborn – it’s about wanting to understand the full picture.

Think about it. When someone tells you something, do you take it as it is? Or do you probe deeper, ask questions, and try to understand the reasoning behind it?

If you’re nodding your head right now, it’s a good sign. You may be amongst those who have the habit of critical thinking. And that’s a clear trait of a discerning individual.

Remember, being discerning isn’t about being difficult; it’s about seeking clarity and making informed decisions. And that often starts with thinking critically.

2) You value your alone time

It might sound a bit counterintuitive, but valuing your alone time can make you more discerning. Alone time allows you to reflect, recharge, and think without distractions.

I remember when I was younger; I used to feel weird because I enjoyed spending time alone. My friends would always be out and about, while I’d often prefer to stay in, read a book, or just enjoy my solitude. Over time, I realized it wasn’t weird at all – it was part of who I was.

This habit of spending time alone allowed me to develop my thoughts and perspectives independently. It helped me become more self-aware and insightful. And guess what? These are key traits of a discerning individual.

So if you’re someone who cherishes those quiet moments of solitude, don’t feel odd. It’s a sign that you’re probably more discerning than most.

3) You’re not easily swayed by trends

In a world where trends come and go at lightning speed, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. However, discerning individuals tend to observe rather than follow the crowd.

Did you know that the word “trend” in its original Old English form ‘trendan’ meant to revolve or rotate? Just like how trends today come full circle, repeating over time. Yet, if you’re the type of person who doesn’t jump on every new trend but instead evaluates its value or relevance to your life, you demonstrate discernment.

Not being easily swayed by trends means you’ve developed a strong sense of self and know what works best for you. It’s not about being stubborn or resistant to change; it’s about understanding your preferences and making choices that align with them.

4) You’re comfortable with ambiguity

Life is filled with grey areas and uncertainties, and being comfortable with ambiguity is a prominent trait of discerning individuals.

While many people prefer clear-cut answers and definite outcomes, if you’re someone who can sit comfortably in the space of ‘not knowing,’ you’re showing a high level of discernment.

Being comfortable with ambiguity means you understand that not everything has an immediate answer. It means you’re patient, open-minded, and willing to explore different possibilities before reaching a conclusion.

So if you find yourself at ease in situations where others might feel anxious due to lack of clarity, take it as a sign of your discerning nature. It’s a quality that sets you apart and allows you to navigate life’s complexities with grace.

5) You listen to understand, not to respond

In a world that’s always in a rush to speak, the art of truly listening is a rare and precious gift. If you’re the kind who listens to understand, rather than just waiting for your turn to respond, then you’re probably more discerning than most.

Listening deeply shows that you value other people’s perspectives and that you’re open to learning from them. It’s about being present, showing empathy, and creating a space where people feel heard and understood.

There’s something incredibly humbling about active listening. It reminds us that each person we encounter can teach us something new if we’re willing to truly listen.

So if you often find yourself being the quiet one in conversations, absorbing what’s being said rather than rushing in with your own input, take heart. This is a clear sign of your discerning nature. It shows you understand that wisdom often lies in listening, not just speaking.

6) You aren’t afraid to change your mind

There was a time when I used to think that changing my mind was a sign of weakness. That it meant I didn’t know what I wanted or that I was easily influenced. But over time, I’ve come to realize that it’s quite the opposite.

Being open to change your mind is a sign of strength and discernment. It means you’re willing to admit when you’re wrong, learn from your mistakes, and grow from your experiences. It shows that you value truth and understanding over ego.

If you’re someone who can hold strong opinions but is equally open to altering them when presented with new information or perspectives, then you’re demonstrating a level of discernment that’s rare and valuable.

So don’t be afraid to change your mind. It doesn’t make you indecisive or weak – it makes you wise and discerning.

7) You’re selective about who you spend time with

The company we keep can significantly influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Discerning individuals understand this and are selective about who they spend time with.

If you’re the type who prefers quality over quantity when it comes to relationships, it’s a clear indication of your discerning nature. You understand that it’s better to have a few meaningful connections than to surround yourself with a crowd that might not truly align with your values or aspirations.

Being selective about your company means you value your time and emotional energy. It shows you understand that relationships should be enriching and supportive, not draining or negative.

So if you find yourself carefully choosing your social circle, know that it’s a sign of discernment. It indicates that you’re attuned to the impact others have on your life and are making conscious choices accordingly.

8) You prioritize self-improvement

At the heart of discernment is the desire for self-improvement. Discerning individuals are constantly seeking to grow, learn, and evolve.

If you’re someone who sees every day as an opportunity to become a better version of yourself, you’re demonstrating a highly discerning nature. You understand that personal growth isn’t a destination but a lifelong journey.

Prioritizing self-improvement means you’re not afraid to confront your weaknesses, challenge your beliefs, and step out of your comfort zone. It shows that you’re committed to personal development and that you see value in continuous learning.

Remember, being discerning isn’t about being perfect – it’s about striving for progress, not perfection. And that’s the true mark of a discerning individual.

Reflection: The power of discernment

The exercise of discernment is a powerful tool that extends far beyond making wise choices. It’s about understanding oneself, being open to growth, and navigating the world with empathy and understanding.

Consider the Greek philosopher Socrates, who once said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” This quote isn’t about leading a life filled with constant self-scrutiny, but about the importance of self-awareness and discernment.

The habits we’ve explored are not just signs of discernment; they’re also pathways to personal growth and understanding. Whether it’s embracing ambiguity, listening to understand, or prioritizing self-improvement, each habit encourages introspection and self-awareness.

Ultimately, being discerning isn’t about separating oneself from the world but engaging with it in a deeper, more meaningful way. It’s about finding value in introspection, critical thinking, and purposeful action.

As you move forward, remember that your journey towards discernment is a personal one. There’s no fixed route or destination, only the path you carve out for yourself. And that in itself is a testament to your discerning nature.