Questioning Your Assumptions

By Graham Jones

Introduction

We commonly operate on autopilot, making various decisions based on our assumptions about ourselves, others, and the world around us. These assumptions act as invisible barriers, limiting our potential for growth, innovation, and understanding. We can unlock many possibilities by challenging and questioning our assumptions and embarking on a quest of self-discovery and personal transformation. What are the benefits of questioning our assumptions? What strategies can I use to embrace this mindset? And lastly, what thought-provoking questions can I ask myself to inspire personal reflection? So, let’s dive in!

Questioning Assumptions

Assumptions are deeply ingrained beliefs that shape our perceptions, judgments, and actions. We often leave them unquestioned, and they act as filters through which we interpret information and make decisions. However, challenging these assumptions allows us to break free from our unconscious limitations and open ourselves to new insights, perspectives, and opportunities. Here are what I see as some critical benefits of questioning our assumptions:

  1. Self-Awareness: By questioning our assumptions, we better understand our biases, prejudices, and blind spots. This enables us to make conscious choices, challenge our preconceptions, and grow.
  2. Expanded Perspectives: Questioning assumptions broadens our worldview by exposing us to different viewpoints and alternative ways of thinking. It encourages empathy, fosters open-mindedness, and helps us appreciate the richness of diversity in ideas and experiences.
  3. Innovation and Creativity: We unlock our creative potential and stimulate innovation by questioning our status quo. It encourages us to challenge established norms, explore new possibilities, and develop solutions to complex problems.
  4. Improved Decision-Making: Assumptions can cloud our judgment and lead to biased unconscious decision-making. We can make more informed, rational conscious decisions based on evidence and objective analysis by critically examining our assumptions.

Some Strategies for Questioning Your Assumptions

  1. Be Curious: Embrace a mindset of curiosity and childlike wonder. Ask yourself, “Why do I believe this? Can there be other perspectives? What evidence have I witnessed that supports or challenges my assumption?” Curiosity fuels the desire to explore, learn, and seek deeper understanding.
  2. Be Reflective: Dedicate regular time for self-reflection and introspection. Set aside moments to contemplate your beliefs, values, and assumptions; it can be as little as 5 minutes in a day, so try and make it regular. Consider the origins of your assumptions and whether they still serve you or hold you back.
  3. Diversify: Surround yourself with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and fields of experience. Engage in meaningful conversations, listen to their viewpoints to learn, and challenge your assumptions by considering alternative perspectives. Be empathetic, put yourself in their shoes, and consider how their experiences or influences have shaped their perspective.
  4. Embrace Discomfort: I know that questioning assumptions can be uncomfortable, as it requires challenging deeply held beliefs. Embrace the discomfort and be open to the possibility of growth and change. Remember, growth occurs outside our comfort zones, and that discomfort can act as our learning.
  5. Test and Experiment: Put your assumptions to the test by conducting social experiments or seeking evidence that supports or challenges them. Embrace a scientific mindset, gather first-hand data, and evaluate the validity of your assumptions based on empirical evidence.
  6. Prioritise Continuous Learning: Adopt a lifelong learning mindset. Stay curious, seek new knowledge, and expose yourself to different ideas, cultures, and disciplines. Learning expands our horizons and challenges our assumptions.

Here are Some Reflective Questions:

  1. What are some of the things I assume without questioning? Am I open to considering alternative perspectives to my assumptions?
  2. Do my assumptions create biases affecting my interactions with others? How can I develop a more open and inclusive mindset?
  3. Are my assumptions based on past experiences that may no longer be relevant? What tools/techniques can I use to update my assumptions that align with my current reality?
  4. How do my assumptions about failure, success, and risk-taking impact my willingness to try new things and pursue potential opportunities?
  5. Do I have any recurring patterns in my thoughts or behaviours that indicate the influence of my assumptions? How can I break free from these patterns to embrace change and growth?
  6. How can I actively seek feedback from others to gain insights into my assumptions and blind spots? How can I use the feedback to help me refine and evolve my beliefs and approaches?

Questioning our assumptions is a journey that can lead to self-awareness, expanded perspectives, and improved decision-making. Embracing curiosity, reflection, and embracing discomfort can help us challenge deeply ingrained beliefs and open ourselves to the possibility of growth and change. Surrounding ourselves with diverse perspectives, prioritising continuous learning, and testing our assumptions can empower us to break free from limitations and unlock our creative potential.

When we are willing to question ourselves, our assumptions are the key to unleashing our true potential.