We’re all guilty of making assumptions. They can be helpful, allowing us to anticipate and be proactive rather than reactive. However, assuming too much, even when we should know better, can lead to problems.
We tend to assume our leaders have all the answers, from fixing the economy and handling immigration to combating COVID and the Middel East. But no one has all the answers. We assume doctors can cure anything, or that we can invent technology to solve every problem, but that’s not always the case.
Life isn’t a tidy TV drama where everything gets resolved in 42 minutes. When we get comfortable with a situation (or even apathetic), we can get complacent or indifferent. Assuming can harm relationships, lead to failure, or cause dysfunction even in our daily lives.
Assume at Your Own Risk
To “assume” means to take something for granted without proof. We often assume because it requires less mental effort than actually verifying facts.
Remember those trigonometry proofs in school? It was always easier to declare something a triangle or rectangle than to go through the step-by-step proof process.
Life can be similar. Faced with a situation at home, work, with a co-worker or loved one, it’s easier to “assume” the circumstances, motivations, and likely outcomes based on our experiences. Why go through the trouble of fully understanding a situation when we can just assume? After all, there are only so many hours in the day, right?
The problem is, when we assume, we often get it wrong. Assumptions can hurt relationships, cause us to fail tasks, or make us dysfunctional in our daily interactions.
Proof that Assumptions Aren’t Always Correct
I’m not suggesting we go to extremes—like questioning whether the sun will rise tomorrow or if the laws of physics will suddenly change. What I am suggesting is that in situations where clear understanding and communication are critical, we should NEVER assume.
Do you need specific results from an employee or team at work? Don’t assume they share your vision or understanding. Communicate clearly what you want done and by when. Ask questions to ensure you’ve been heard and understood.
Do you always assume the worst in a situation? Why? Have you ever assumed the worst and it actually happened? Worrying unnecessarily wastes a lot of mental and emotional energy. Instead, look at the situation objectively and draw conclusions based on facts and likely scenarios.
Similarly, don’t assume everything is fine. Relationships with friends, spouses, and business colleagues require constant reinforcement. Take nothing for granted. You can’t just throw seeds on the ground and expect them to grow into something fruitful. Relationships need to be cultivated and nurtured.
Do you assume your child remembers all the household rules? Again, don’t assume. Make sure your child knows what you expect. Don’t nag, but don’t be afraid to remind your child of the rules. Children are often distracted by texts, social media, friends, and schoolwork, but they need boundaries.
Don’t assume your elected representatives know how you feel about issues. They can be surprisingly out of touch. Don’t hesitate to contact their offices and express your views. And don’t assume your voice doesn’t matter—a phone call or email can sometimes make a difference.
Lastly, don’t assume good health, especially as you age. This is perhaps the most important assumption to overcome. Our bodies, minds, and spirits need constant care. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, and make time for fun—it’s important, not optional.
When we get comfortable, we risk becoming complacent. We start to believe that because things have always been a certain way, they will stay that way. Don’t assume—take the time to understand situations fully and act accordingly. The only thing you can assume is that when you assume too much, it will eventually cost you.
Let’s Get Creative
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