For example, if someone offers you an alcoholic drink and you’re too young, the rewards may be hanging out with them and having a free drink, but the risks are you could get in trouble with the law. The best and most common-sense decision is to say no to the drink.

For example, if someone offers you an alcoholic drink and you’re underage, your first thought is usually that you shouldn’t drink because you’d get in trouble if you get caught.

For example, if you found a jacket at school that isn’t yours but you want to keep, think about what you would tell a friend if they found the jacket. You would most likely tell them to return it to a lost and found, so you should make the same decision.

For example, you could ask, “Mom, I’m having trouble knowing what’s the right decision to make. Could we talk about it?” Only get feedback from people who are a good influence on you, since someone who makes poor decisions may not give feedback that’s common sense. Gather feedback from peers you hold in high regards, bosses, etc.

For example, if you chose to wear sneakers to the beach and you got sand in your shoes, next time you go to the beach you’ll wear flip flops instead. By reflecting on your actions and becoming more self-aware, you will start to make better decisions and to develop your common sense. Understanding yourself is the best way to foretell reactions or results. [6] X Research source You can learn just as much from watching somebody make poor decisions as you can from someone who makes great ones.

For example, common sense should tell you that buying something you can’t afford would be a bad decision to make since it will put you in a financial bind later on.

Watch peoples’ faces and body language while you’re around them so you can see how they’re reacting to you. For example, if they aren’t making eye contact or they’re leaning away from you, common sense may be to end the conversation because they aren’t interested.

For example, if you’re deciding between cooking or ordering food, the most practical option may be to cook since you have food at home and you won’t have to spend more money.

This also includes sending texts, emails, or letters. Read over what you wrote to make sure it comes across clearly so it can’t be taken a different way.

For example, you may feel bad if you did poorly on test, but you may recognize there are more tests you’ll take during the class and you have chances to improve. Prepare and study for the next test so you can do better.