How to Avoid Making Assumptions

Assumption is a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof. So, making assumptions is accepting something as true and definite, without looking at proof. We all make assumptions, but have you ever wondered about the consequences of assumptions?  Making assumptions can lead to immense confusion, frustration, and disappointment. This is why, it is important to know how to avoid making assumptions. First, let’s look at why we make assumptions.

Why Do We Make Assumptions

We make assumptions because we think that other people also think like us and would do what we naturally think is logical. But this is never true. What might look logical or natural to you, may sometimes look completely illogical to others.

We also make assumptions based on stereotypes. We assume that people can be categorized into neat categories based on different features such as ethnicity, nationality, religion, class, etc. For example, if you see a short and thin girl, you’d assume that she is physically weak. But we never think that there is a possibility that she might be even stronger than bigger men. 

How to Avoid Making Assumptions

1. Have Open Mind and Heart

The best way to avoid making assumptions is to start with an open mind and heart. Don’t just think that everyone is feeling the way you do. Ask open questions and attempt to understand what others are feeling. Sometimes what you have assumed is entirely different from the truth.

2. Communicate Directly

If you get to know people and communicate directly with them, there is no need to make assumptions. You can directly ask them questions. When you get to know people, you gain in-depth knowledge about those people. When you have knowledge, there is no need to make assumptions.

3. Be Curious

Curiosity is another way to avoid assumptions. If you feel curious about something, you’ll be motivated to find more information about that particular thing. When you have enough information, you don’t have to make assumptions.

4. You are Not Always Right

Remember that you are not always right. Whenever you have made an assumption, ask yourself whether you are jumping into conclusion. Try to find out whether there are other possible explanations other than your assumption.

5. Think Positively

Thinking positively is another way to avoid making assumptions. Keep in mind that looking at things negatively can lead to misreading a situation. If you look at something negatively, you are going to see negative things. Instead, look at things with an open mind. Remember that there are more than one side to a story.

Image Courtesy:

“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once ina while, or the light won’t come in. – Isaac Asimov” by Ron Mader (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr

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