Most people aren’t geniuses, but having common sense is the bare necessity to get through life successfully. It helps you interact with other people, fulfill your responsibilities, and generally live as a happy, healthy adult. However, if you relate to any of the following, you obviously lack common sense and need a serious wake-up call.
1. You’re always missing the obvious.
If you’re the person who spends 15 minutes looking for glasses that are on your head, welcome to the club. Missing the obvious can be a sign of lacking common sense. It’s like you’re so focused on complex solutions that the simple ones don’t even register. To tackle this, try stepping back and looking at the bigger picture. Sometimes, the solution is right in front of you. Slowing down and taking a moment to assess the situation can help you spot the obvious answers.
2. You ignore really practical advice.
Ever find yourself disregarding advice that later turns out to be spot on? That’s a common sense hiccup. People might tell you it’s going to rain, but you leave your umbrella at home. It’s not about being rebellious; it’s more about not recognizing practical wisdom when you hear it. Start valuing the experience and insights of others, especially in everyday matters. Their advice is often based on practical knowledge that can save you from unnecessary trouble.
3. You struggle with everyday tasks.
Let’s say you’re great at complex stuff but somehow overcook pasta every time. Struggling with everyday tasks is a sign that common sense might not be your forte. It’s not about intelligence; it’s about applying basic knowledge to daily activities. One way to improve is to focus on the task at hand and break it down into simple steps. Pay attention to the process and learn from each experience. With time and practice, these tasks will become second nature.
4. You take things too literally.
When someone says “It’s raining cats and dogs,” do you look up expecting pets to fall from the sky? Taking things too literally can be a sign of lacking common sense, which often involves understanding nuances and reading between the lines. To improve, try to consider context and non-literal meanings in conversations. Observing how others interpret and react in different situations can also provide valuable cues.
5. You often end up in easily avoidable situations.
Do you often wonder how you ended up in certain predicaments? If you find yourself in situations that could have been easily avoided with a bit of forethought, it’s a sign. Perhaps you didn’t check the weather before a hike, or you forgot to charge your phone before a long day out. Start planning ahead and thinking about potential outcomes before diving into activities. A little foresight can go a long way in preventing these situations.
6. You have trouble prioritizing.
If you’re washing the car while your house is flooding, that’s a common sense red flag. Trouble with prioritizing tasks according to their urgency or importance can lead to inefficiency and bigger problems. To improve, make a list of tasks and identify which ones need immediate attention. Sometimes, writing things down can provide clarity on what should be tackled first.
7. You misinterpret social cues.
Social interactions can be a minefield if you’re missing the common sense compass and you’re socially awkward. Maybe you joke at inappropriate times or don’t catch on when someone’s being sarcastic. Improving this aspect involves observing and learning from social interactions. Pay attention to people’s reactions and try to understand the subtleties of social communication. It’s okay to ask for feedback from close friends or family about your social interactions.
8. You overcomplicate simple answers.
Sometimes the easiest solution is the best, but if you’re often going for the most complicated route, you might be missing a bit of common sense. You could turn a simple task into a massive project without realizing there’s an easier way. To combat this, next time you face a problem, ask yourself, “What’s the simplest way to do this?” Often, the simplest solutions are the most effective.
9. You ignore safety warnings.
Ignoring safety warnings is like playing with fire, literally and figuratively. Whether it’s not wearing a seatbelt or disregarding caution signs, overlooking basic safety can be a sign of lacking common sense. These guidelines are there for a reason. Make it a habit to follow safety protocols, no matter how mundane they seem. Safety first isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s essential advice.
10. You’re always unprepared for predictable outcomes.
If you head out in the snow without a coat or forget to fuel up your car before a long trip, you’re probably underestimating predictable outcomes. Common sense involves anticipating and preparing for likely scenarios. Start thinking a step ahead. Consider the possible outcomes of your actions and plan accordingly. A bit of preparation can save a lot of discomfort and hassle.
11. You misjudge how long tasks take.
Ever think you can clean your entire house in 15 minutes before guests arrive? Misjudging the time it takes to complete tasks is a classic sign of lacking common sense. To get better at this, start timing your tasks to get a realistic idea of how long they take. This will help you plan more effectively and avoid last-minute rushes.
12. You tend to ignore your instincts.
Ignoring that little voice inside that says, “This might not be a good idea” can lead you into trouble. Common sense often aligns with our instincts about people or situations. Start listening to your gut feeling more often. It’s usually right and can guide you away from questionable choices.
13. You struggle to adapt to new environments.
Adaptability is a key component of common sense. If you find it hard to adjust to new surroundings or situations, you might be lacking in this area. Try to be more observant and flexible. Look at how others navigate these environments and learn from them. Being adaptable doesn’t mean losing yourself; it means being smart about fitting into different settings.
14. You don’t consider the long-term impact of your actions.
Actions have consequences, and if you’re not thinking a few steps ahead, you might be missing the common sense boat. It’s not just about what happens now, but what could happen in the future. Before making decisions, consider the potential long-term impacts. This foresight can save you from future headaches.
15. You struggle with basic financial decisions.
If managing money feels like deciphering an ancient code, it’s time to brush up on financial common sense. This means living within your means, saving for a rainy day, and not splurging on things you can’t afford. Basic financial literacy is an essential life skill. There are plenty of resources and tools available to help you understand and manage your finances better.
