My Strength: Judgement

Question: What decision can I confidently make, even if the outcome is uncertain?

My Story:

Julie has always known that making decisions isn’t consistently easy. When it comes to everyday choices, like what’s for dinner or weekend plans, she hesitates, wanting to gather input and explore every option. But when the decisions genuinely matter, Julie’s strength of judgment shines through.

Recently, Julie faced an important parenting decision. Her daughter had reached an age where many of her friends were starting to get phones and smartwatches. Parents around her were debating the pros and cons, and some were even pushing the school to allow smartwatches in class so they could stay in constant contact with their children. For Julie, this wasn’t a casual choice; it was a decision that aligned with her family's values and priorities.

Julie thought carefully about what mattered most: keeping her daughter safe and healthy and developing strong interpersonal and social skills; all things that could be halted by introducing technology at such a young age. After considering the options and reflecting on her priorities, Julie felt confident: her daughter wouldn’t get a phone or smartwatch yet. Instead, Julie and her husband decided that her daughter could have an “old-school” watch with fun features, such as a stopwatch, giving her something practical and enjoyable without the added tech.

When other parents pushed back, surprised that Julie’s daughter didn’t have a device, Julie stayed calm. Julie’s friend even texted her a list of reasons why she was giving her child a smartwatch. Julie didn’t second-guess her own choice. It didn’t even feel like a difficult decision; she was so clear about her values that the choice seemed obvious.

Julie’s daughter accepted the decision well, understanding that a phone would come in eighth grade. Inspired by the conversation, her daughter even started a savings account to help pay for her future phone. Meanwhile, she and her friends have adopted her classic watch, often using the stopwatch feature to time themselves during recess.

For Julie, this experience was more than just a parenting win; it was a powerful reminder of her ability to make confident decisions when guided by her values. While she may still hesitate over smaller choices, when it counts most, Julie’s judgment allows her to trust herself, and that’s a strength she’s proud to own.

‘When my decisions align with my values, clarity follows, and judgment feels effortless.”

- Julie Fox