Last Updated on February 14, 2023 by Christin
It’s impossible to stop making assumptions altogether, but with a few simple changes in the way you think, you can stop making them so often. And that will make all the difference in the quality of your life.
Stop Making Assumptions For A Smoother Life
Assumptions are little snippets of information that we take for granted as true, without bothering to verify them.
We then use these snippets to build our understanding of reality, which can cause big problems in our lives.
For example, if you assume that your boss knows what you’re working on, but they don’t, then you may not get the credit you deserve when the project is finished.
Or, if you assume that your significant other just automatically knows how you feel, they may be unaware of your needs, and you will end up feeling neglected.
In both cases, it’s important to communicate and state your needs openly to avoid misunderstandings.
Furthermore, making assumptions can also lead to problems in other relationships.
If you assume that your friends want to spend time with you, they may feel overwhelmed and end up avoiding you.
If you assume that the person you just met likes the same food as you, then there could be an awkward and wasted dinner coming up.
In short, assuming things about others based on what you see, feel, or think, is a bad habit that will affect your life negatively.
It’s not always easy to stop making assumptions. We’re all guilty of making an assumption from time to time. But if you can catch yourself in the act and make a conscious effort to stop, it will pay off in a big way.
Stop Making So Many Assumptions By Using These 11 Affirmations
The more you say the following affirmations to yourself, the easier it will be to stop making so many assumptions.
1. I Don’t Assume Anything About Anyone
I realize that everyone is different and that I don’t know everything about them. Just because someone looks a certain way or has a certain job doesn’t mean I can assume anything about them. I don’t know their lives! This is why I don’t assume anything about anyone.
2. I Don’t Assume That I Know What’s Best For Others
Just because I think something is best for someone doesn’t mean it actually is.
We all have different needs.
We all have different paths to take.
I need to respect other people’s choices and not assume that I know what’s best for them.
3. I Don’t Assume That I’m Always Right
I know that I’m not perfect and that there’s a chance I could be wrong about something. I’m open to being wrong and changing my mind if new information comes to light.
4. I Don’t Assume That Others Are Wrong Just Because They Disagree With Me
I know that not everyone is going to agree with me all the time. And that’s okay. If we all agreed with each other, we would be robots.
I can respect other people’s opinions, even if they differ from my own.
5. I Don’t Assume That Others Are Out to Get Me
Just because someone doesn’t do what I want them to do doesn’t mean that they’re out to get me.
I know that people are capable of making their own choices and that not everyone is going to make the same choices as me.
Nor is everyone making choices based on me. I’m not the center of their universe.
6. I Don’t Assume That I’m Being Attacked When Someone Disagrees With Me
I know that when someone disagrees with me, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re attacking me. I can have a calm discussion about our differences without taking it personally.
7. I Don’t Assume That Others Are Mind Readers
I know that just because I think something is obvious doesn’t mean that others will automatically know it too. I need to communicate my thoughts and feelings openly and honestly, without assuming that others can read my mind.
8. I Don’t Assume That The Way Things Are Is The Way They Have To Be
I know that things can always change and that there’s no such thing as “the way things are supposed to be.”
I’m open to new possibilities and willing to change my perspective when necessary.
9. I Don’t Assume That I Know Everything
I know that there’s a lot I don’t know and that I can always learn more. In fact, I will never learn all there is to learn in my lifetime.
Sometimes I think I know how ‘it is’ and later find out I was totally wrong.
I’m humble enough to admit when I’m wrong and eager to learn new things.
