Tao of Assumptions

“We simply assume that the way we see things is the way they really are or the way they should be. And our attitudes and behaviors grow out of these assumptions.” – Steven R. Covey

For me an assumption is basically a story that gets made up to supply missing information and gives me a sense of “knowing something” even if that’s impossible. Like when I make up a story that I know how you feel. I can guess, surmise, estimate, or draw on the past to assume I know what you feel. And depending on how well I know you I could be close. But I simply can’t know.

I believe that Steven was right, assuming directs current and future attitudes and assumptions. I know I often assume what other people think or feel. I am attempting to notice that more and instead of assuming just say, “I’m projecting that your, sad, angry, excited, down, up, or whatever, and hoping we have a relationship that will result in you being honest. Past that I stay with not knowing and watching for those assumptions.

Spring has sprung here in Michigan, be good to you and kind to others.

Bryan Wagner