2 Simple Tips to prevent you from jumping to conclusions

Be careful jumping to conclusions. 

Do you ever catch yourself creating a story about something, only later on to find out that you had misinterpreted what happened?

Do you ever assume what someone means, without asking the pertinent questions to help you make an educated decision?

Do you find yourself often in disagreements with those around you, and they are upset because you took things out of context? 

This week I will be discussing "Automatic Negative Thoughts" 

Did you know the subconscious mind can take in 20 million bits of information through the five senses in a mere second, it is then filtered down to 7-40 bits. You can see how easily facts are not all taken in, so we need to keep our attention in the gathering stage while processing a decision.

Jumping to conclusions can occur in two ways: mind-reading and fortune-telling. Mind reading is assuming that others are negatively evaluating as opposed to fortune telling where there is a prediction of a future outcome with the worst possible scenario.

This can be balanced out if you are aware and you catch yourself, by

It is key rather than assuming your assessment, to step back and review your thoughts. Are you making a decision based on facts or an interpretation of facts?

If you are not clear, ask questions. When expressing genuine curiosity, you free yourself of judgment as you can only express one emotion at a time.

If you found this helpful or would like to improve your communication skills or relationship, message me and we can set up a complimentary call to discuss how I can help.