assumptions

Keeping up on the hike to Challenger Point | 2004

Today I want to open up a discussion about assumptions. Specifically those assumptions we make that limit ourselves and our experiences.

We all make assumptions. They’re a lot like judgments, right? It’a a way we categorize and make sense of the world. And like judgements, oftentimes, our assumptions are simply wrong.

I recently wrote a post about a defining moment I had on a trail. I assumed I couldn’t run to the top of a hill without stopping to walk. That assumption was based on previous experience. Running uphill is hard. It takes a lot of perseverance and time to get better. But for me it took a really upsetting experience at work to shed light on my assumption that just because I hadn’t run uphill before, that I’d *never* be able to.

As I’ve grown into an athlete over the years (it’s definitely been a slow process for this late-bloomer), I’ve experienced the gamut of assumption-making. Both making assumptions and having others make assumptions about me.

false assumptions

Here are just a few of the false assumptions I’ve made over the years:

• I could never run further than five miles.
• Elite athletes have a natural ability... they don’t have to work as hard.
• I’ll never be fast (or place in a race).
• My friends don’t want to run with me because I’m slower than them.

And here are a few of the false assumptions others have had about me:

• You’ve always been an athlete.
• You’ve run 50 miles; you must run fast
• I’m holding you back.
• You must be bored hiking at this pace with me.
• You won’t want to climb with me since I’ve never been before; You’ll be annoyed.

It’s an interesting position to be in, having been a beginner as an adult myself (experiencing all the fears, hesitations, confusion of not knowing what in the world I’d gotten myself into) and as a teacher and encourager of beginners (getting a peek into the “other side” of it and having built a knowledge-base of experience).

I’ve been on both sides and I know I used to lament to my friends that I feared I was holding them back and wow, they must be so frustrated at the slow pace. And now, when new friends express the same concern to me, I shake my head in wonder. I adore introducing the outdoors to new folks. I love being witness to the discoveries and wonder being out in nature and pushing your boundaries reveals to them.

And I now understand that elite athletes may have a small advantage in the name of natural ability, but that’s not what creates an elite athlete. Hard work (and I mean hard work), dedication, sacrifice and perseverance are the qualities that raise them to that elite level.

what about you?

So I’m wondering, what assumptions are you making—about yourself and about others—as you grow and evolve as an athlete? What about as a person?

Are there beliefs you’re holding onto that have limited your enjoyment and experiences (and those of others)?

Have you placed unnecessary responsibility or feelings onto others (as I did when I assumed my friends were frustrated with my speed)? Because I understand now that it’s a difficult thing to respond to... especially when a running partner is convinced I’m not having fun and they’re having a difficult time suspending their assumption long enough to allow the thought that I might actually enjoy their company in the outdoors—no matter how fast or slow we’re going.

take action

Take a moment, either right now or later when you have a quiet moment, and make a list of all the assumptions you’ve made this week (or if you’re an overachiever, go ahead and list your assumptions throughout the past year). Then take a look at your list. What are some common themes? Are there certain situations where you make more assumptions?

If you’re comfortable, please share some of your list with us here in the comments. It’s a wonderful way we can learn from one another. And if you’ve had false assumptions made about you, feel free to add those in, too.

And then finally, the next time you’re faced with a new situation, take a breath in, and ask yourself what assumptions am I holding onto? And then exhale and let all your assumptions go. Release them and see what you discover.

welcome

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Other posts you might enjoy:

• Finding Your Tribe
• Excuses
• How Often Do You Give 110%?
• 5 Ways to Create Positive Change