Assume: Making an Ass out of U and ME

The Power of Positive Assumptions

Life is built on assumptions—it’s almost impossible to avoid them. Our brains are wired to predict outcomes, helping us navigate situations and determine our course of action. But one of the biggest mistakes we can make is assuming the worst about people or circumstances before we have all the facts.

We’ve all been guilty of it. Maybe we assume someone ignored our message when they were simply busy. Or we assume a situation will go wrong before it even unfolds. While assumptions can serve a purpose, they can also limit our perspective and set us up for unnecessary frustration.

Shifting from Doubt to Trust

I’ll admit it—I assume the worst a lot. But lately, I’ve been working to change that. Instead of assuming my husband forgot to send that email, I choose to trust that he did. Instead of expecting my daughter to misbehave at a birthday party, I believe she will be respectful.

But assumptions don’t just shape how we see others—they shape how we see ourselves.

When we assume the worst about ourselves, we’re essentially telling ourselves that we’re not capable or worthy. This mindset creates self-fulfilling prophecies, fuels self-doubt, and holds us back from trying new things. Over time, it chips away at our confidence and keeps us stuck.

The thing is, the way we assume things about ourselves often mirrors how we assume things about others. If we don’t trust our own abilities, how can we truly trust those around us?

For years, I operated under the belief that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. But this mindset doesn’t just limit outcomes—it also limits people. By assuming others won’t meet expectations, I don’t even give them the chance to prove me wrong. And in doing so, I take away their opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute.  This way of thinking also puts a lot of pressure back on me to perform the task seamlessly and with perfection.  This pressure often leads to anxiety, unnecessary stress and a sense of overwhelm.

When you feel like you are the only one who can do something correctly, eventually, no one wants to help you with anything.  (And remember, everyone does things a bit differently, so don’t assume that your way is the only way.)

Choosing to Assume the Best

What if, instead of assuming the worst, we expected the best?

✅ When you delegate a task to your partner, trust that they’ll complete it without micromanagement.
✅ When you meet someone new, don’t judge them based on appearances—stay open-minded.
✅ Most importantly: Don’t assume everything is about you.

It’s easy to feel like we’re the center of the universe, but the truth is, everyone is navigating their own world. Most of the time, people’s actions have nothing to do with us at all.

Embracing Curiosity Over Fear

Instead of fearing the unknown, let’s ask questions. Instead of assuming failure, let’s anticipate success. When we shift our mindset, we invite better outcomes—and often, they follow.