How to remove the friction of assumption
What’s the value of assuming all of your perceptions are wrong? – Just for a day.
It keeps you sharp. It stokes curiosity and you might just discover some really useful information. It might offer insight through eyes that are not tired of the world, and everything in it.
Historically, assumptions have proved costly.
Media and political commentators assumed Hillary Clinton would win the US Presidential Election.
Assumptions create friction in everyday life.
Boomers and Gen Xers assume Millennials are lazy latte-loving ‘want-it-alls’.
Millennials assume Gen Xers are stuck on a one-dimensional conveyor belt to an unfulfilled retirement.
Business forecasts, marketing strategies and national constitutions are based on assumptions.
The moment you agree with your assumptions, you stop looking for anything that doesn’t support what you believe to be true.
That can be costly.
Don’t beat yourself up – humans like to be right. It makes us feel secure and safe, but how useful is secure and safe when you need to be sharp, innovative and tenacious?
Think about who built what you believe to be true. You did. Your parents did. Your upbringing did.
It’s not to say that any of those foundations are wrong, but it’s important to test the assumptions you make based on your ‘truths’.
Do you want to find out if you’re really a life-long learner? Test your assumptions – just for a day.
Here’s a list to get you started:
Know what your clients want? When was the last time you asked them?
Think your way of working is better than everybody elses? When was the last time you actually looked at what everybody else is doing?
You know your values? When was the last time you wrote them down and checked if you’re living them?
Think you have a high EQ? When was the last time you took a test?
Your kids are okay with working crazy-long hours? When was the last time you asked them?
You feel grounded and present? When was the last time you looked yourself in the eye and asked yourself if that’s real?
You think you could take a day off whenever you want to? When was the last time you actually did?
If you like the sound of a friction-free life – and peripheral vision when testing your assumptions for a day – try to test your assumptions for a week.
If you want a forever sustainable methodology, find a way to test your assumptions in every-day life – just as you make time for running, reading, yoga or meditation.
Take 10 minutes out to clear inherent assumptions at the start of each day. And be aware of any assumptions you made the day before.
Of course, if you assume all of your perceptions are wrong, all of the time, you’ll get nowhere. But try to find a routine methodology that works for you:
Always assume you’re right and your narrow vision will block out so much.
Always assume you’re wrong and negativity will shroud confident decision making.
Always be open to testing your assumptions and you’ll unlock the beautiful peripheries of life and drive towards confident, considered decision-making.
Find peace of mind in the chaos and thrive in the winds of change. Elevate your EQ and lead personally and professionally.
Test your entrenched perceptions and assumptions through a different lens – give them a day off.
Join us live for 9 minutes at 11:07 every day for 30 days of FREE online coaching. We’re unpacking 30 common assumptions that undermine your success in health, wealth, romance, relationships, business and career.
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