Are Assumptions Messing Up Your Life? 9 Easy Ways To Challenge Them

We all assume things out of habit, but unfortunately, it can have significant consequences.

If you feel like your thinking pattern is holding you back or causing you problems, assumption management can be a powerful tool to open your mind and grow into becoming a better version of yourself!

Why You Make Assumptions (And Can’t Stop)

Assumptions are made out of thoughts, beliefs, and opinions. They are something you assume to be the case even without real reason or proof.

From the second we are born, we are affected by everything around us. Our parents decide how to raise us. Our family, friends, partners, teachers, bosses, co-workers, and even media, all affect our subconscious minds.

Every experience you have contribute to your assumptions.

Our brain needs to simplify things to save energy and make sense of stuff. Therefore, it’s impossible to go through life without making assumptions. However, you can always choose what you decide to believe in.

How Assumptions Can Mess Up Your Life

Have you ever had a misunderstanding with a colleague, friend, or partner because they assumed you already knew something or had done something?

We all assume that we know people’s motives, abilities, and skills. However, often we don’t. We also often judge people based on looks and stereotypes our society has made up.

Assumptions often occur because of an evident lack of communication. This can cause friction, misunderstandings, misjudgments, and ultimately kill trust in teamwork and relationships.

Sometimes, we turn something great into something terrible simply by assuming, instead of checking the facts.

Your assumptions can hold you back from making progress or growing as a person because it limits your mindset to achieve what you are capable of.

By challenging your assumptions, you can boost all areas of your life. From problem-solving at work to your relations and how you view yourself!

9 Simple Ways To Challenge Your Assumptions You Can Use Today

To challenge your assumptions, you must first admit to yourself that you have them.

You need to observe your thoughts and challenge your core belief system.

It might not be easy at first, but it all comes down to having an open mind and the right tools to get going. With time, you’ll get better at identifying your assumptions, and can unlock a whole new level of potential within yourself!

1. Question Your Thinking Pattern

The first step to challenging your assumptions is to question your default response. Realize that it’s the default, something you’ve been taught from somewhere or someone else.

Use the following questions to identify an assumption within yourself (these are also great for decision-making and problem-solving):

• Why am I thinking the way I am (what’s the reason)?
• Is it an old way of thinking?
• Could there be an alternative to what I am thinking?
• What else could be true, apart from my perspective?
• What’s the worst thing that can happen if I question it?
• Where can I look for proof or an alternative?

2. Take An Objective Perspective

Zoom out from yourself! If you assume you can’t do something, ask a professional. They might have a different, objective opinion about your situation that can help clarify your case.

If your topic is more personal, imagine (or ask) what someone close to you would think about the thoughts you have. Their experiences can give you perspective and help you make the right decision.

You can also try to reverse the situation and imagine how it would feel if someone judged you because they assumed something about you.

3. Ask Instead Of Assuming

So simple, yet often overlooked.

If you disagree with someone and assume they’re wrong (because you think you’re right), ask them to clarify their statement. Listen, not to answer, but to understand. Uncover their intentions before you make an assumption.

If we want to understand people, we have to ask them where they are coming from, without assuming that we already know. By doing this, we’re also taking steps towards improving the relationship.

4. Accept That Your View Isn’t Universal

If you disagree with people, consider that others might have a different point of view. Remember that no one sees the world exactly as you do! One thing you can do is to accept that their belief system is different and that it’s ok.

Be curious. See it as an opportunity to widen your thoughts on how others see the world. Their perspective or experiences can also be a helpful tool to assist you in better decision-making.

5. Choose To Believe That People Have Good Intentions

The number one thing that can make your life ten times harder is assuming people have bad intentions. It will instantly get your wall up! You won’t pay attention, and the result of that will be very unproductive.

Choose to believe that people have good intentions, and it will change how you feel at that moment. Try it and see for yourself!

6. Avoid Having Expectations

Expectations are based on assumptions. It’s assuming people think or know something that you think they do. For instance, just because you work with someone doesn’t necessarily mean you’re on the same page. Price negotiations are a great example!

Likewise, your partner might not know that you were expecting dinner in a castle for your birthday.

It’s risky assuming everyone shares the same thoughts about things as you do. People have other goals and views in life and business.

To make sure that there are no misunderstandings or misjudgments, clarify by communicating and creating a shared understanding of what’s going on.

7. Check Your “Facts”

Ask yourself; Is my assumption just an idea, or is it well-supported? If so, by what? If not, where can I find the answer? Are there other takes on this that I could explore?

8. Mind Your Language

What you say matters: If you assume you can’t do something, you can’t. But If you assume you can, you probably will!

Mind your thoughts, and just as importantly, your language, to avoid triggering negative assumptions in yourself and people you spend time with.

Try to speak to yourself and others in a positive way. If you think and speak in more favorable terms, it can tremendously improve your quality of life.

9. Try New Things And Explore Alternatives

Things are different in practice vs. in theory. One way to know if your assumptions are true or false is to test them. Something you assume that don’t like might surprise you, in a good way! Many of my friends who claimed to hate raw fish suddenly loved it after I took them to my favorite sushi place.

If you’re in doubt about something in your life already, try to get rid of it or attempt something new. It can be things, habits, goals, perspectives, identities, technology, or whatever is relevant in your life.

See how you do without it instead of keeping it, just because it’s always been like that. Start fresh! If it was a mistake, get it back with new energy. It’s never too late to start from scratch with a new career and new approach to life.

Assumption Management Can Spoil You With New Opportunities

Challenging your assumptions isn’t easy. You will have to get out of your comfort zone and try new things to gain a fresh perspective. Through trial and error, you’ll learn from your mistakes, gain more confidence, and combat your limiting beliefs.

It can even lead to a significant change in your life - such as a new career, a step towards something you’ve always wanted, or meeting someone special.

Only you decide where this journey takes you.

More content like this? Check out The Painful Truth: Why You’re Not Getting What You Want In Life (And How To Change Now).

Originally published at https://samiraholma.com on March 13, 2022.