Assume<\/strong>: To suppose without information.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Is this what you’re doing? is this what you have done every time you suppose without information? Or is this one of those words of power that we take for granted (no pun intended there).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The word assume can be applied as a label to behavior. What makes it potentially dangerous and powerful is when it is applied to your<\/em> behavior from an external source. Think about that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s talk about what assumptions really are, why they are a part of everyday life, just how emotional humans are, and what you can do about it,<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n You’re listening to the Mark Bradford Alchemy for Life<\/em> podcast. It’s about the word assume<\/strong> \u2014 one of those innocuous yet powerful words. It describes behavior and also defines it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most people know the phrase: If you assume, you make an ass out of you and me.<\/em> The definition of assume<\/em> is “to suppose without any proof.” But is that really what assume<\/em> means? Maybe in some cases, sure. But as we\u2019ve discussed before, we only live in the very second right now. We mostly assume<\/em> human behavior, not physics or chemistry. You can assume your friend will be happy to talk at 9 a.m., but maybe they\u2019re having a bad day. Assuming is a tool of sanity\u2014we have to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you work at a busy factory, you might assume the boss will be stressed during the busiest weeks, but you still ask because you want to be sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People use assume<\/em> differently to serve their emotional outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a label, often with negative connotations, used to manipulate or criticize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you ask for a cup of coffee, the size depends on the place\u2014someone else defines the word cup<\/em>. There\u2019s not much we can do except recognize assume<\/em> is a label imposed by others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We must use logic and avoid falling into traps like: Be aware of pitfalls\u2014not just on your part but how others weaponize the word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This podcast is unusual but important because assume<\/em> carries so much power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not when you use it logically, e.g., “I assume this is going to happen, so I plan accordingly.” The old phrase: Try this: say to someone, “If you assume, you make an ass out of you,” pointing at them, then pause. Thanks for listening. The prequel to The Sword and the Sunflower<\/em><\/a> duet, called Upside Down<\/a><\/em>, is now available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Struggling with your todo list? <\/strong> have you tried CheckMark<\/a>? The free, no-install ap for your phone and desktop with fun colors, gold and a ton of feaures. Now open to the public!<\/p>\n\n\n\nLabel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Transcript<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Welcome Back & Intro to “Assume”<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you assume… well, hey there, welcome back!
I hope you enjoyed the fora<\/em> into a single word last episode, because we’re going to do it again. At least, I assume we are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I want to tell you a joke about that at the end of the podcast that works every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDefinition of Assume<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Funny, because no one really uses the word suppose<\/em> anymore.
Webster’s Dictionary kind of replaces assume<\/em> with suppose<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are the times you assumed in life truly without proof?<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Reality of Assumptions in Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We don\u2019t know what will happen 30 minutes from now.
We can\u2019t fully count on things, like the sun coming up or people behaving a certain way.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAssumptions About Human Behavior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Human behavior is soft science, unpredictable and emotional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You assume loved ones will handle a topic properly, but it might blow up because of nurture, nature, experiences, or their own assumptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Necessity of Assuming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Confusion Around Assume<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Examples of Labeling & Misunderstanding Assume<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Same with assume<\/em>: others define it and can label your behavior unfairly.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Handle Assumptions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
“I won\u2019t tell this person because they might assume something.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts on Assume<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
But when someone says, “Why did you assume that?” suddenly you\u2019re being labeled.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Joke: Ass + U + Me<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you assume, you make an ass out of you and me.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their lizard brain will complete the phrase out loud: “and me.”
Congrats\u2014you just called them an ass.<\/p>\n\n\n\nClosing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I always enjoy your feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sword and the Sunflower<\/em> is available as Kindle, paperback, and audiobook, with Amira<\/em> and Upside Down<\/em> available as Kindle and paperback.
Actually, all three books are now available in hardcover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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