I recently read that nearly 50% of college-educated Americans struggle to distinguish between facts and assumptions. Startling, isn’t it? It made me wonder: where do I stand?

 

How can we make sound decisions, in life or work, if our critical thinking is so impaired?

 

As a coach, I often observe clients muddle facts with assumptions. It’s easier to notice in others than in oneself. On reflection, I might be doing the same. Humbling.

 

Take my attempts to consistently use Sales Navigator, for instance. Not a complicated decision but still important. Despite my repeated efforts, I’ve struggled to integrate it into my routine. I find myself starting, stopping, and then persuaded to try again.

 

Maybe you have a similar behaviour you want to change?

 

Why is this so challenging for me? Is it because using the tool feels inherently misaligned with my natural communication style? Or am I clinging to assumptions that make adopting the habit seem insurmountable?

 

Assumptions I would rather not explore because the truth would make me uncomfortable?

 

Here are some I’ve identified:

It is boring.

I have to think too hard.

I have to change comfortable patterns of my day to make room.

It takes too long to see results.

 

But are these valid reasons to quit?

 

Nope.

 

Writing essays taught me a parallel lesson. Initially, it was incredibly difficult for me. Yet, once I committed to writing regularly, the practice became progressively easier. Making this commitment felt like plunging into cold water and swimming across to a far shore. The turning point? I only created the conviction to write after confronting and questioning why I wanted to write in the first place.

 

It’s still not easy to write but it is ever more rewarding.

 

It seems to me that same logic applies here. 

 

Change my assumptions, and the behaviour will follow.

 

So, enough with the unexamined excuses and lazy thinking. It’s time to address the real questions:

Can this tool help me show up in a more impactful way?

Could it expand my reach to serve a larger audience?

Am I ready to release limiting assumptions?

 

Yes, on all counts.

 

And even if I fail spectacularly, what’s the worst that could happen? Could I mitigate the risks now? Absolutely.

 

I have run out of excuses.

 

I’m choosing to trust the newly examined assumptions.

 

It’s time to take the plunge and build a new habit — because experience has shown that if I want to change my behaviour, I must examine my underlying assumptions.

 

What assumptions might you be tolerating?