“Assume Nothing…”

Assume is defined as “to think that something is true or probably true without knowing that it is true; to take up or in : receive; to take into partnership, employment, or use; to take to or upon oneself :  undertake <assume responsibility>; seize, usurp <assume control>; to pretend to have or be.”  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assume

I continue to be perplexed when people use phrases such as:

“Well, I thought you should know…”

“You should know better…”

“Common Sense should lead you to know…”

“They know better…”

“I told you once…”

Why do we assume that people understand everything EXACTLY as you understand it the first time?

We don’t know HOW we said it; what TONE we used when we said it; if it was received & understood clearly by the intended receiver; or if additional information is required.

True communication is when you (as the receiver) can repeat back to the sender exactly what they said to you with the same meaning in which it was said.

The secular acronym for assume is to make an “ASS out of U and ME.” Unfortunately, this is typically the result…resulting in miscommunication, frustration, anger, missed deadlines, and hurt feelings.

Oh, have I ever witnessed the frustration from friends, parents, & bosses when they say, “I told you once, already!”  Rarely does anyone accomplish the goal or the desired outcome on the 1st Attempt.

I often find it amusing how we hold people to standards that we ourselves don’t even live up to.

We even make assumptions spiritually. We oftentimes “think” we know more than God. He addresses this in Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV): “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Important Points to Note:

“Before you assume, there’s this thing called asking.” – unknown

“You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think about you if you realized how seldom they do.” -  Eleanor Roosevelt

“Before you assume, learn the facts.” – unknown

 “The best way to get along with people is to not expect them to be like you.” – Joyce Meyers

“Assuming the worst in a person hurts them; Assuming the best in a person disappoints you; Assuming nothing allows you both the ability to see the truth.” - unknown

 “Things are seldom what they seem.” – unknown

“Never Assume. Never Expect. Just Hope.” – unknown

 We could all use wisdom & follow this advice: 

“A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you really are.” – unknown