Since this blog is about obtaining clarity in our lives, I’d like to discuss assumptions today. Why? Because I found many of our own assumptions hidden. Generally because we haven’t thought of asking in those situations. Yet, when we do consciously ask, we then can begin to change the outcome.
The “free dictionary” defines assumptions as “the act of taking for granted” and “something taken for granted or accepted as true without proof; a supposition; presumption.” Wikipedia has an improved definition.
A writer makes assumptions of who their reader is, where they are in life, what they are thinking about the topic already, and more before they write. If not, the writing comes out unfocused and without purpose. The reader finishes wondering what they just read.
A marketer must also make assumptions.
As a coach, I learned through experience to ask what assumptions the client is making.
But how aware are we about assumptions when we are working by our self?
When responding to an e-mail, do you ask, “What assumptions have I made before I write my response?” What about before we watch a television program? What about when we plan? What about when we take a shower?
Many assumptions are automatic. For instance, when we identify we are want to eat. An automatic assumption can be, we’re hungry. But when we’re in pain and reach for food, we don’t normally asked what the assumption is. We hide from it. Yet, when we do ask, we become conscious it’s because we’re in pain and not necessarily hungry. Logically, we know we need to ask, yet do we always ask?
But what if we don’t know someone. Do we make assumptions about their visual appearance? You bet we do.
When someone talks, do we make assumptions as to what country or part of the country they are from? You bet we do.
Are our assumptions about others always right? Generally not.
Yet, what about the assumptions we make when we’re doing our normal routine. We place the key in the ignition of the car assuming it’s going to start. We assume the tires are okay. We make many assumptions.
It’s easier to think of what assumptions we make about other things or people. Some people say this is judging. However, it’s natural for use to make assumptions about their clothing or behavior.
But what about our self? How would knowing what we are assuming about our self help us?
When we begin to write, we automatically assume we can. When we bake a cake and haven’t ever done it before, we don’t normally assume we can.
When I stop to think about the assumptions I’m making when I’m getting ready to start on a task, I hear my inner critic chatter. Generally, I hear the negative list first and after I chase it away I work on focusing on the positive list. This is part of the change process.
When you pick up the phone, do you make any assumptions? Do you after 30 seconds or a few minutes after you hear them? How do the assumptions change when you connect longer.
When you look in the mirror, do you make some assumptions?
Or do you ignore asking what the assumptions are?
I thought assumptions would be a good “food for thought” topic.
Willingness is the first step to change. Awareness the second. The question then arises, is assumption the third step?
What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree or disagree?
