Of course you are!
All of the time...
Typically, when you're faced with a new situation, your brain's tendency is going to be to look for the familiar. It "jumps to conclusions" so you can make a quick assessment. It's made that way.
This is very efficient, especially in emergency situations. Your brain connects the dots faster than you can blink an eye, and those instincts can save your life. It makes assumptions based on all that you have experienced, and allows you to make quick judgements and decisions... without the mess and inconvenience of thinking.
It's a perk in the system. It's also a bug.
Why? In most situations, jumping to conclusions does exactly what it suggests, it bypasses any thinking and leads you to the same old result. I'm sure you've been in a conversation before where things started to sound familiar? The next thing you know, you're jumping in and sharing your own similar experience, and often your advice. It's quick and automatic. How many of you can relate to this? My hand's up too! It's what our brains are meant to do, quickly make assumptions by finding a pattern, so it can conserve energy. This way it can continue to do its number one job - keep you alive. Not very practical if you're looking for difference and progress; whether it's in a work situation, at home, or elsewhere.
So how can you override this default?
.
Let's get to it...
Your challenge for the next week...
It's going to start with awareness. Noticing comes first. When you notice you're ready to jump to conclusions in a situation, try this:
Pause. An intentional breath is a great way to stop yourself from interrupting.
Silently ask yourself this question: "What don't I know about this"?
Get curious with whatever is in front of you, and ask at least one clarifying question, before you offload your incredible wisdom and advice. In fact, you may find that asking one question leads you to ask another.
This is going to be tricky to do, because you're trying to override your natural human tendencies. Keep it up and you just may become known as the person who listens, has presence, and supports new ideas!
When I ask myself the question "what don't I know about this", I purposely answer, "probably more than you think". It definitely stops me in my tracks. I don't get it right a lot of the time, but I'm working on it. You can too!
Knowing this now; when you're in a situation and you want to be more open to options, ask yourself "what don't I know about this"? Ask a clarifying question. Notice what changes.
Ready to connect to your skills, strengths and capabilities again? Contact me They're still there. I promise.
Stay safe and well.
Cheers,
Ann
Jumping to conclusions…