Reality is what we assume to be true. What we assume to be true is what we believe. What we believe is based upon our perceptions. What we perceive depends on what we look for. What we look for depends on what we think. What we think depends on what we perceive. What we perceive determines what we believe. What we believe determines what we assume to be true. What we assume to be true is our reality. -David Bohm
I’ve studied Nancy Kline’s books “Time to Think” and “More Time to Think: The Power of Independent Thinking” to learn her unique approach to executive coaching. She calls the coaching experience a “Thinking Session,” and the coach and the coachee are equal partners in thinking together in new ways to resolve issues and develop into our next best selves. If you are a professional coach, I highly recommend both of Ms. Kline’s books.
A key concept Kline explores is the concept of assumptions. An assumption is a thought we accept as true or certain without proof. Assumptions are highly effective at keeping us stuck in the present state and can form the bars of a self-created cage to prevent personal and organizational change.
Assumptions allow us to conserve mental energy by thinking of plausible-sounding stories that confirm our worldview of reality. If I am an idealist by nature, I am likely to assume this is a normal worldview and may find it odd when I meet a staunch realist. If I assume it to be cold in January in the Midwest and dress without checking the weather forecast, I might be sweating my assumption when it unexpectedly hits 70 degrees. If I assume everyone will abide by traffic signals, I may have a collision with someone who fails to stop at a red traffic light. The knowledge and experience of assumptions proving wrong do not seem to slow down our brain’s natural tendency to continue to use personal assumptions to guide our choices and decisions.
How often do we create self-fulfilling prophecies by not challenging and testing our assumptions? We routinely assume our boss will deny our request for a raise so we fail to give the rationale for why we deserve a pay increase. We assume we could never afford a college degree, so we never apply to college.
The most important thing we can do with any significant assumption that offers a convenient excuse for not trying something new or different is to test it with some questioning. Is the assumption true? Is the assumption always true? Is there some different way to think about this assumption which would allow us to not make it true?
You will soon find many assumptions are true and can be classified as truths or facts. Some assumptions cannot be proven but are likely true. Other assumptions are not always true, but are the way you wish to live your life, so you decide the assumption is true for you personally. Some assumptions cannot be proven or disproved and can be thought of as possibilities. Beliefs are assumptions that we trust on faith and do not seek to confirm.
The sum of our assumptions becomes the boundaries of our thinking and living. Comfort zones are built out of seemingly solid assumptions. To break free of our assumptions and allow room for growth, we must ask and answer challenging questions.
What evidence do I have that supports my present limiting assumption?
What evidence exists that refutes my assumption?
Often one key assumption is tied to many sub-assumptions. So if this key assumption is true, what other assumptions must also be true?
Which assumptions are you choosing to accept as true that are keeping you from living a Fired Up! life? If you knew that this assumption were not true, what could you then assume to be true that would be liberating?
Assumptions are our mind’s flypaper to keep us safely stuck in the present situation. If we seek to grow and achieve our full potential, we must inventory and confirm our limiting assumptions. A professional thinking partner and coach can help you sort through your assumptions.
Which assumptions need to be challenged today?
Ready to fire up your work and your life? I’m an executive coach from Indianapolis, and I work one-on-one with executives and managers, in person for local clients or via Zoom. If this post raised a question about your work or your next step, we should talk. The first discovery call is free and confidential. Book your discovery call, or call or text me at 317-643-0058, Monday through Friday, 9 to 5.
