What Are Your Assumptions?

By Shlomo Maital  

    Each of us lives our lives on the basis of assumptions – the ‘constants’ in life that we believe in and act on.   Most of us embrace these assumptions pretty early in life, and often, do not challenge them as we age.  Speaking for myself, at least.

     Here are two key assumptions that I recommend, and that I acquired for myself rather late.  Better late than never?  Better earlier rather than later, I would say.

  1.  Every problem, crisis and challenge has a solution.

Now, I know this is not absolutely true.  There are illnesses that have no cure.  But, if you assume from the outset that a problem has no solution, your brain, especially your ‘quiet’ subconscious one, the powerful one, will not work on the problem, and you will miss valuable creative ideas.  Better to assume from the outset that there IS a solution, I just have to find it..and you’ll be surprised what your incredible brain comes up with.  No, this illness can’t be cured – but here are creative ways to deal with it… as an example. 

  • People are basically, at heart,  GOOD and seek goodness.

This one, too, is not categorical.  We in Israel are dealing with an enemy that seems to seek death rather than life.  But regarding others perpetually with suspicion, mistrust, and doubt, is really not a great way to live.  If your expectations of others are positive and optimistic, this prophecy may be self-fulfilling…they may respond according to your trust. 

At times, this may get you into hot water.  Trust your instincts.  At times, they may tell you, beware of this person.  Of course, listen to them.  But in general, give people the benefit of the doubt, and approach them with trust, love and compassion.

         We live our lives based on assumptions, and rarely challenge them.   So, what are your assumptions?  Which of them may need to be retested?

       Life circumstances change.  Does this perhaps require a change in our assumptions?