Are your assumptions clouding your vision?

Do you accept something as truth based on your perception, even without proof?

Do your beliefs prohibit you from seeing the whole picture?

Take a few minutes to think about the last time your assumptions led you to believe something about someone or a situation to be true without even knowing all of the details. It might have been a week ago, yesterday, or even as recent as this morning. What was it exactly that you assumed and was it valid?

This quote by Isaac Asimov is powerful because how often do we allow our assumptions, beliefs, experiences, dictate how we perceive something without even having all of the facts.

We allow assumptions to fill in all of the blanks to a story we have never read.

For example, you may see someone driving a fancy car and immediately assume he or she is wealthy. You may see someone who you find physically attractive and assume they are full of confidence and joy because of their physical beauty.

How do you know your assumptions are accurate? What if that person driving that fancy car is living paycheck to paycheck and can barely afford those car payments?  What if that person, you deem physically attractive, is battling with a lack of confidence and has self-esteem issues?

The mind tries to interpret situations by adding pieces to a puzzle that do not belong; pieces typically based on learned beliefs, past experiences, and societal generalities.

However, that does not really work. Would you agree?

We do this in our relationships as well.

Think about a time where you called or texted a spouse, partner, family member, or friend, and you did not hear back from them right away. What were the thoughts that began stirring in your mind?

Are they mad at me? Did something happen? Are they ok?

Your assumptions started to lead you down a path that has no validity.

I would be lying if I said I did not fall victim to the assumption game too. Even now that I am more aware of it, my assumptions still try to complete an unknown scenario, especially in relationships.

So how do we calm our mind and shift our focus? How do we scrub those windows, if you will, as the quote suggests?

When your assumptions start to run around in your head like a group of wild kids at a birthday party all juiced up on cake and soda, take a step back and acknowledge it. See where it’s coming from within and challenge it.

Ask yourself, “Is what I’m thinking true at this moment?” If so, what are the supporting facts that lead you to this conclusion? If not, relax and let go of your false belief.

Once you are able to do that, you will be able to see things more clearly and from a fresh perspective.

Now it’s your turn.

How does this quote inspire you?

Tell me about an experience where your assumptions got in the way. Was the story you created in your mind accurate? If so, did you have supporting evidence? If not, did the truth reveal itself and what was it?

Contact me or share your thoughts below in the Comments section.

Let’s get the discussion going.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together we can become stronger individuals.

Educate. Engage. Evolve.