How often have you checked in on the things that you assume to be true?
For example, I assume based on my habits and how I spend my time and money that I like coffee, skydiving, dogs, riding bikes and motorcycles, and cooking. I don’t like running, walking more than necessary, cold salads, cold press coffee, or commuting in a car. Among other things of course, but those are a few that I thought I could count on.
But it’s pretty easy to get wrapped up in those things you thought you liked and wear them as an identity, never stopping to check your assumption to make sure it’s still true.
For example, a couple years ago I started adding running into my program. After a little while (the longer you’ve assumed something to be one way, the longer it takes to break the pattern and examine it) I realized that I actually kind of liked it. I’m still never going to be a runner, but I didn’t dislike it as much as I thought I did.
A friend of mine was recently telling me that he was re-examining if he even liked video games, or if he was just playing video games because he thought he always was a gamer.
Another friend has been contemplating selling something that they’ve gotten a lot of enjoyment out of over the years, but now doesn’t seem to be giving back as much – but it’s a struggle because it’s assumed to be an integral part of their identity.
Checking your assumptions is useful in really practical matters too. When I was first trying to get my Honda Spree project running I *assumed* that there was air, fuel, and spark so therefore the engine should run. I did not think to check if air was getting OUT of the engine though, so it wasn’t until I checked the assumption that I realized the muffler was clogged.
The best part is checking or examining your assumptions isn’t a risky or costly endeavor. You might not love what you find when you go looking, but at least you’ll be one step closer to living your truth.
