What is your default assumption?

I have heard it said that human beings are by nature negative and pessimistic. It takes so many factors to deviate or change from this natural inclination. Factors like spirituality, environment, education etc. has played a role in transforming people to who they are today. Yet as we all know, nobody is perfect and that is why we keep pushing on to change, driving our ambitions and transforming ourselves all the time.

In my interactions, I have come to see that a lot of us have a default assumption that is unique to us. This is usually evident in times of emotionally charged situations or during conflicts. It is also visible in so many routine interactive situations and sometimes when taking decisions.

I believe our default assumptions are important considerations in our race to improve and transform ourselves. It could be a determinant to resolving so many unsettled issues you are experiencing.

For example, someone approaches you for the first time and your initial internal response is suspicion. Even though the security situation in the country calls for caution which is valid , most times, your feeling of suspicion causes you to respond in such a way that is not encouraging to the other party. When you are suspicious by assumption, you presume people’s actions always in the negative until you are proved otherwise.

Another assumption is that in every conflict with people, you always believe that by disagreeing with you, then the other person is intentionally out to hurt or attack your being. You are always pre-empting what people’s intentions are and most times it is of a negative nature. Conflict resolution is always an issue as you focus most on your injured pride rather than the issues on ground.

I am also aware of people who are always optimistic by default. They are naturally inclined to believing the best in people until they are proved otherwise too! they usually give reasons for people’s weakness and easily pick up the slacks for other people. They try to avoid conflicts but when it occurs, they are willing to resolve the issue as fast as possible.

Also, some people are competitive by assumption, you are constantly comparing yourself to the other person. You immediately evaluate someone as soon as you meet them and compare them to yourself either physically, materially or even spiritually! This sometimes leads to your decision either to further the interactions or not.

I believe our default assumptions are important considerations in our race to improve and transform ourselves. It could be a determinant to resolving so many unsettled issues you are experiencing. I am pushing for healthy assumptions and to avoid presumptions till we have all necessary details before we take actions.