I'm sure we all know what happens when we assume. Assuming can lead us into all kinds of trouble and really set us up for a rather large disaster. I have learned the hard way and am taking steps to change this particular destructive behavior.
By making assumptions we:
1. Speak for others
We speak for them. We project our own experiences onto them– we have already seen something take place similar to the situation we are currently in and assume this person or situation to be the same.
We speak for them. We project our own experiences onto them– we have already seen something take place similar to the situation we are currently in and assume this person or situation to be the same.
2. Miss out on really getting to know someone
We are not accepting someone as they really are, but instead as who we assume they are based on our perceptions.
We are not accepting someone as they really are, but instead as who we assume they are based on our perceptions.
3. Misunderstand a situation
We can make the assumption that a situation is not as bad as it really is and totally miss that things may actually be falling apart. The reverse would be that we assume a situation is worse than it is and try to fix something that isn’t broken only to find that we really did break it.
We can make the assumption that a situation is not as bad as it really is and totally miss that things may actually be falling apart. The reverse would be that we assume a situation is worse than it is and try to fix something that isn’t broken only to find that we really did break it.
4. Make decisions based on untruths
We think that we know the facts when we’re really are we are doing is mistaking our assumptions for facts.
We think that we know the facts when we’re really are we are doing is mistaking our assumptions for facts.
5. Are offended
We assume that the people closest to us know what we’re thinking and what exactly it is that we’re saying forgetting that they cannot read our mind thus becoming offended.
We assume that the people closest to us know what we’re thinking and what exactly it is that we’re saying forgetting that they cannot read our mind thus becoming offended.
I guess the most effective thing we can do to stop making assumptions is to start asking more questions. When we have all the information needed, we'll stop filling in the blanks with our perceptions or experiences, and have fewer misunderstandings, less conflicts and a whole lot less drama.
If you have found yourself making bad assumptions one too many times, maybe it is time for you to make a change as well. Be warned though; In order to stop making false assumptions, you'll have to check your ego at the door and keep an open mind. GOOD LUCK
1.Remember that the only safe assumption to make is that your first assumptions might be false. This keeps your head level and your mind open.
2.Recognize the assumptions you make in everyday life and think about whether they're useful and throw out anything that doesn't help you live more efficiently.
3.Use riddles and other divergent thinking exercises to expand your ability to think critically without making false assumptions. These are some of the best ways to break bad mental habits.
4.Respect other people's ideas. Even though you might disagree with someone else on a hot topic, recognize that her opinion isn't worthless simply because it's not the same as your own.
5.Be as objective as you can in making evaluative decisions. Whether you're at work, at home or with your friends,
be as logical and fair as possible in your judgments.
6.Resist the urge to accept stereotypes. Even though they might be accurate, stereotypes are reductive and can cloud your judgment.
7.Base your judgments only on the most apparent facts. This is the most logical way of doing things, and it'll stop you from making those false assumptions altogether.
Just when I think you can't possibly come up with more clever stuff, you surprise me. If anyone knows about the effects of assumptions, its you. You should totally send this to that church you used to attend. THey need it. Good writing.
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