The brain has developed mental processes to simplify the way we think. But at what cost? Unfortunately, stereotypical thinking lies in the unconscious and almost always impacts the most vulnerable.

It’s probably more comfortable not to talk about it. When judgmental thinking comes into play, assumptions are simplified. But if stereotypes are assumptions based on faulty reasoning, then you should know that jumping to conclusions is a mental pattern seen in people who either lack information or feel overconfident and disregard the value of self-doubt. Could this be you?

Even though reasoning is meant to be an effortless experience, the brain consumes about twenty percent — or 300 — of a resting body's 1,300 calories a day. It requires about one and a half calories per minute, while neurons demand twenty-five percent of the body’s total glucose supply.

No wonder mental performance fluctuates from task to task, and physical effort or sleep deprivation impacts our ability to concentrate. Under stress, a mental switch may trigger a demanding mindset, at which point, reasoning can shift to a judgmental way of thinking.

Not so fast

Stress is perhaps the number one factor keeping the mental energy in motion, generating relevant mental reactions. Its impact is not as gentle as this paragraph may suggest, but its influence on attitudes — toward oneself and others — justifies its high position on the awareness chart.

Here is how attitudes gain momentum, engaging the mind in meaning-making scenarios. We need ways to relate to our own experience. Positive attitudes act as the green light for acceptance, while negative attitudes paint rejection in bright red. Understanding the triggers for distress or well-being helps prevent unwanted reactions and allows us to better relate to our state of mind.

Time to make a change

How do feelings get a voice? Why do opinions need to resonate with our actions? Judgmental attitudes not only describe our lived experiences but also motivate behavior.

If there were one mental process capable of summing up what we are going through, attitudes might be the best candidate. Research shows that attitudes are relevant to both life-enhancing and life-threatening behaviors, while positive attitudes have been associated with successful aging in later life.

At work, unfavorable attitudes lead to higher stress levels — and as you already know, stress affects organizational commitment, leading to challenging work environments.

At this point, the need for change becomes clearer, and most organizations choose to develop psychological interventions aligned with their culture. The same is true for disease prevention, as we only tend to engage in lifestyle changes when we feel threatened by a physical diagnosis.

Left with no options?

Distress not only demands change — it can also lead to rejection. When proactive coping strategies can’t be pursued, people are more likely to avoid problems altogether, often turning to maladaptive behaviors such as substance abuse.

What our mind needs is access to relevant resources for accurate judgment. When we lack those resources, we may start feeling hopeless, a vulnerable mental state associated with suicidal ideation.

Personal exhaustion is one reason why judgmental thinking is worth re-evaluating. A demanding mindset can require changes that feel beyond your control. Navigating life with unrealistically high standards may subject you to the curse of irrational thinking, as supply should meet demand in our mind as well.

However, judgments become less threatening with an open mind. Focusing on the process (not just on the source of your distress) can help you accept and commit to a meaningful action plan.

Who is there to blame?

We tend to see our own mistakes as situational, but view others’ mistakes as personal. We attribute their failures to fixed traits and abilities — which, to our own benefit, are seen as less likely to change. And we often do this without guilt, believing judgment is on our side. But be cautious: the more you try to change others, the more you risk changing yourself.

Thinking goes beyond meaning — it shapes how we feel and act. Unfortunately, the more we think about a given topic, the more convinced we become of the importance of our beliefs. For example, abilities, prospects, and chances of success are commonly overestimated by CEOs due to the overconfidence bias.

No matter how much we trust, agree with, or fight for our beliefs, there's no need to be harsh with ourselves or others. The judgmental switch is a meaning-making crossroad, one that reminds you to be at peace with yourself and stay humble along the journey. As Thomas Merton said, “Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.”