Wisdom is the primary virtue that enables you to demonstrate other virtues, such as justice, persistence, and temperance. Being wise means being able to make decisions based on generally accepted principles and living everyday life in an intelligent and dignified manner. Research shows that wise and considerate people live healthier and longer lives. This article explains how to practice the primary virtue of being tactful at home, at work, or at school.
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Part 1 of 4: Being Wise at Home
Step 1. Apply problem-solving and critical thinking techniques to mediate disputes among family members
Being wise means being able to give advice, make objective judgments, and make the right decisions. Show that you are capable of being tactful at home, for example by advising family members who are fighting and making objective judgments about resolving disputes. Apply problem-solving methods, for example by listening actively, doing analysis by thinking logically, and inviting family members to discuss to get back together.
- For example, your brother and sister may fight over who should wash the dishes after dinner. Be tactful by suggesting that whoever did the dishes last night doesn't need to be on duty again tonight as a way of dividing the work fairly.
- Wisdom is useful in preventing more violent fights, such as conflicts in the family because of financial problems. Advise family members to keep all payment receipts. In addition, each family member must record the use of money and the date of payment. This method can prevent fights over money and daily expenses.
Step 2. Perform household financial management
Being wise in the financial aspect means managing household finances properly and on time by drawing up a financial budget. Make a worksheet to calculate all monthly household expenses and needs, such as rent, mortgage installments, food purchases, electricity and water costs, and environmental cleaning costs. Also take into account home maintenance costs, such as the purchase of furniture or renovation costs.
Being prudent in managing finances prevents waste and helps you monitor the utilization of funds every month. This way, you are able to decide how best to allocate your income to finance household needs and manage money
Step 3. Pay bills on time and pay off debts
Make sure you pay your monthly bills on time, such as electricity, water or credit card bills. Paying bills wisely is a good way to manage finances so that there are no arrears in monthly fees.
- To be able to manage payments wisely, combine the debts of several credit cards. Thus, you only use 1 card or owe to 1 credit card issuing company. So, you no longer need to pay bills for several cards with different interest rates. Choose a credit card that charges the lowest interest rates and transfer fees to reduce monthly bills and pay off debt faster.
- Try to pay off other debts, for example to relatives or other lenders. Instead of asking for debt relief through a debt relief company that often fails, make a monthly payment plan to pay off the debt within a certain period of time. Determine realistic debt payments according to income and calculate the interest costs that must be paid.
Step 4. Set aside funds for savings every month
Prepare for the future wisely by setting aside funds as savings every month. This step demonstrates your ability to think about the future and make decisions based on long-term goals, not short-term goals.
Calculate the amount of funds you want to save according to your monthly income and expenses. As much as possible, save at least 10% of your monthly income, especially if your salary is large enough and the cost of living is not too high
Part 2 of 4: Being Wise at Work
Step 1. Determine how to reduce waste and prevent waste in the workplace
The right way to be wise in the workplace is to minimize waste and prevent waste by considering various aspects objectively and creating an effective work plan. Realize this plan starting with small things, for example using used paper and printing documents on both sides to save on office supplies, such as HVS paper and printer ink.
On a large scale, this plan can be carried out with colleagues by saving on the use of office equipment for efficiency. Email everyone at work reminding them to use waste paper and save printer ink by printing color documents only when absolutely necessary. In addition, recommend that paper plates and tissues are not used at corporate meetings or events and ensure that recyclable containers are available throughout the workplace
Step 2. Discuss with your boss how to save energy at work
One way to actively participate and be wise at work is to propose energy savings for the company's daily activities. Discuss the possibility of making adjustments in day-to-day operations to save the company money to pay energy bills and make the workplace greener.
To save energy, turn off the computer after working hours and use energy saving mode on all electronic devices during working hours. Also, suggest replacing paper plates with reusable plates and cutlery. Try to do office tasks while saving energy so that everyone does the same so that it becomes a new habit at work
Step 3. Form an energy conservation committee with colleagues
To support a wise program, invite some colleagues to join a committee that focuses on energy conservation and the minimization of company waste. Determine the goals and steps that need to be taken to achieve them within a certain time frame.
For example, make a plan to change the company's environment to be energy friendly starting next year or propose a recycling policy that will be implemented in 2 months. Determine specific targets to be achieved by the committee and involve colleagues from each department or area of company operations so that the interests of each department are represented
Step 4. Consider wisely how to mediate to resolve conflicts with coworkers
Another way to be tactful in the office is to interact with coworkers wisely. This means that you use tactful ways to resolve conflicts with coworkers or prevent fights using objective judgment and making sound decisions.
For example, you might argue with a coworker about the best way to reply to a client's email until you almost get into an argument. To avoid conflict, you decide to actively listen to his opinion in order to reach an agreement. This step prevents conflict because you are able to be wise and take the right action
Part 3 of 4: Being Wise at School
Step 1. Participate in the student council or student senate
Get involved in school activities, for example in the student council or student senate on campus by being tactful and proactive. Run for president of the senate or join in a student activity that interests you, for example to improve the welfare of society or preserve the environment. An important aspect of being tactful is showing concern for others by providing solutions and being able to empathize with helping others, for example schoolmates.
Form a school or college activity group (if you don't already have one) to do activities you are interested in or enjoy doing. Discuss how to start an activity group with a school counselor or student organization leader
Step 2. Balance academic obligations and social life wisely
Maintaining a balance between learning activities and social activities is not easy for junior high school, high school, and university students. Consider your responsibilities and make sure you've done your schoolwork before going to the movies or going on vacation. Make decisions related to education after considering basic things, such as completing tasks that must be prioritized and submitting homework on time.
Make a daily schedule or list of schoolwork and social activities and allocate enough time for each of these activities. Get your homework done and errands done before hanging out with friends so you can have fun without feeling overwhelmed by work. This way shows that you are capable of being thoughtful and considerate
Step 3. Discuss ways to save energy with the homeroom teacher
Discuss energy saving methods in the school environment by inviting other students, teachers, and administrative staff to discuss. Form a committee by inviting friends to join in running a program to save energy and minimize school waste.
At times, pioneering energy savings on campus or at school can be overwhelming. Therefore, start by making small changes to your daily activities and then tackle energy consumption issues that have a bigger impact. For example, make a suggestion that all school computers be operated in energy-saving mode and turned off after school hours. Another example, suggest that all campuses should place organic waste recycling containers next to inorganic waste bins. Compost from organic waste can be used as fertilizer for school gardens or other purposes
Step 4. Resolve conflicts with friends wisely based on objective considerations
Being a good counselor to your friends is a way of showing your ability to be wise and give objective judgment. If schoolmates are fighting, help them come to an agreement or resolve issues by active listening. Try to get support from friends to help friends who are having difficulties at home or at school.
Make sure you are tactful when dealing with conflicts with schoolmates. Instead of blaming or ignoring his opinion, try to understand his thinking and discuss issues with mutual respect
Part 4 of 4: Developing Decision-Making Skills
Step 1. Learn how to make wise decisions
When faced with problems, the ability to make the right decisions plays an important role in being wise. Wise decisions are determined by various factors, such as the ability to control emotions, take into account risks and choices, consider the interests of others, and so on. You will become a wiser person by learning the right decision-making skills.
Step 2. Relax and control your emotions
Emotions play an important role in the decision-making process. You can't make the right and wise decisions when you're overwhelmed by emotions, for example, when you're angry or sad.
- Control your emotions by breathing deeply. Inhale through your nose for a count of 5, hold your breath for a count of 6, exhale through your mouth for a count of 7. Do 10 breaths or until you feel calm and relaxed.
- If you are under stress, you may not be able to think clearly when making decisions.
- If your friend's anger makes you sad, confused, or defensive, be aware that negative emotions make you say something you regret or act negatively. Once you've calmed down, you can be tactful when interacting with him.
Step 3. Identify the problem
Ask yourself, "What's the real problem?" The ability to identify problems is needed to develop good plans and make wise decisions. For that, you need to consider various points of view and understand the problem from various aspects.
Step 4. Gather information and consider options
Find as much information as possible about the problem and various possible solutions. Make sure the information is true, accurate, and comes from a trusted source. Consider the pros and cons of each solution. Also think about the consequences.
- If you have time, write down the positive and negative aspects of each solution option.
- Sometimes, you have to make a decision right away because you don't have time to find out the facts first. However, consider the information you know in order to be able to make the best decision.
Step 5. Make a decision
Based on the information you have obtained and the possible consequences, you are ready to make a decision. Another aspect to consider: What is the impact of this decision on yourself and others? What are the implications of this decision? What is the most important impact for you? What does your intuition tell you (whether emotion or "heart" can help)?
- Determine the right action, namely the action that is in line with your virtue and personality values, rational, and beneficial.
- Implement your decisions. After making a decision, you have to take concrete action. Make a plan by determining who does what, where, when, why, and how. Be flexible if things don't go according to plan. While executing the plan, note down the beneficial and unhelpful actions. If plans don't work out, find out why and make the necessary changes.
