8 common assumptions that we should all be questioning

We all harbor certain assumptions. They shape our thoughts, decisions, and interactions. But, are all assumptions good? I’d argue not.

Some assumptions are so deeply ingrained in us that we don’t even realize we’re making them. They can limit our perspectives and stifle our potential.

In this article, I’m going to talk about eight such assumptions that we should all be questioning. Because it’s only by challenging these assumptions can we truly open up new possibilities and lead a more informed life.

So, let’s dive in, shall we?

1) Success equals happiness

We’re all brought up to believe that success is the ultimate goal. The message we often receive from society, media, and sometimes our families is that success brings happiness.

But does it, really?

This assumption has led many of us on a relentless pursuit of achievement, often at the cost of our well-being. We chase promotion after promotion, accolade after accolade, thinking that once we reach the top, we’ll finally find happiness.

But here’s the thing: Happiness is not a destination. It’s not something that comes after you’ve checked off all the boxes on your to-do list.

In fact, studies have shown that happiness can fuel success and not just the other way around. People who are content in their lives tend to perform better at their jobs and are more likely to achieve their goals.

So, it’s high time we challenged this common assumption and redefined our understanding of success and happiness.

2) Money is the root of all evil

This is an assumption I’ve heard countless times, and for a good chunk of my life, I believed it too. I grew up in a household where money was often tight, and there was a lot of stress surrounding it. I internalized this assumption that money was inherently bad.

But as I got older and started earning my own income, I began to question this belief.

I realized that money itself isn’t evil. It’s just a tool, a resource that can be used for good or ill depending on the person wielding it.

Once, I was able to sponsor an underprivileged child’s education with my earnings. It was then that I truly understood that it wasn’t money that was evil, but the love of money, the greed, that could lead to harmful actions.

So let’s challenge this assumption and remind ourselves that money allows us to do amazing things when used responsibly. It can provide for our families, allow us to support causes we care about, and even give us the freedom to pursue our passions.

3) Multi-tasking is an asset

We live in a fast-paced world where we’re constantly juggling multiple tasks. It’s not surprising that many of us believe that being able to multi-task is a valuable skill.

But here’s the twist: research shows that our brains aren’t designed to handle multiple tasks at once. According to a study from Stanford University, people who frequently multi-task actually perform worse on cognitive tests than those who don’t.

So, what we perceive as efficient multi-tasking might just be us rapidly switching between tasks, which can lead to more mistakes and lower overall productivity.

It’s time we reassessed our belief in the power of multi-tasking and instead, focused on mastering the art of single-tasking. One thing at a time, done well, can be far more effective.

4) Failure is a setback

We’re conditioned to view failure as a negative outcome, something to be avoided at all costs. It’s often seen as a setback or a sign that we’re not on the right track.

But is that really the case?

Failure, in fact, can be one of the most effective teachers. It gives us insights into what doesn’t work and provides us with an opportunity to learn and grow. Some of the most successful people in the world have failed multiple times before they found their path to success.

So let’s start challenging this assumption and embrace failure as an integral part of our journey to growth and success. Rather than viewing it as a setback, let’s see it as a stepping stone that gets us closer to our goals.

5) Vulnerability is a weakness

In a world that often champions strength and independence, showing vulnerability can seem like a sign of weakness. We’re told to hide our flaws, keep our struggles to ourselves, and always put on a brave face.

But, in reality, vulnerability is far from a weakness. It’s a fundamental part of our humanity that connects us to one another.

Opening up about our fears, doubts, and failures can build trust and foster deeper connections with the people around us. It allows us to support each other and reminds us that we’re not alone in our struggles.

So don’t shy away from being vulnerable. It’s a strength that showcases your authenticity and courage. Let’s question this widespread assumption and redefine what it means to be strong.

6) You must always be productive

In today’s society, there’s a tremendous emphasis on constant productivity. It’s almost as if we’re expected to churn out work every waking hour of the day.

I’ve found myself falling into this trap, feeling guilty for taking breaks or spending time on leisure activities. It seemed like I was wasting precious time that could have been used to get more work done.

But over time, I realized that this incessant drive for productivity was burning me out. It was affecting my health, my relationships, and ironically, the quality of my work.

Rest and recreation are just as important as work. They help recharge our minds and bodies, boost our creativity, and improve our overall well-being.

So let’s challenge the notion that we should always be productive. Remember, it’s okay to take a break and enjoy life outside of work. You’re a human being, not a productivity machine.

7) Age defines maturity

Many of us grow up with the assumption that age and maturity go hand in hand. We think that as we grow older, we naturally become more mature.

But is this always the case?

Maturity isn’t about how many birthdays you’ve celebrated, but how you’ve grown and learned from your experiences. I’ve met young people who possess wisdom beyond their years, and adults who still have a lot of growing up to do.

Age doesn’t necessarily define maturity. It’s about emotional intelligence, understanding, and the ability to handle situations sensibly and fairly.

So let’s question this age-old assumption and remember that age is just a number, while maturity is a measure of personal growth and understanding.

8) Life should be easy

This is a belief that many of us unconsciously adopt. We dream of a life where everything falls perfectly into place, where there’s no struggle or hardship.

But life isn’t meant to be easy. It’s a mix of joy and sorrow, triumph and defeat, comfort and challenge. It’s these ups and downs that shape us, make us stronger, and teach us valuable lessons.

The struggles we face are opportunities for growth. They push us out of our comfort zones and help us discover our potential.

So, let’s not fear the rocky roads. Instead, let’s embrace them as part of our journey and remember that it’s through overcoming challenges that we truly grow.

Final thoughts

We navigate life with a set of assumptions as our compass. But often, these assumptions are not truths but mere beliefs that have been handed down to us or ingrained in us by society.

Each assumption we hold forms a lens through which we see the world, influencing our decisions, behaviors, and interactions. But what if we could change the lens? What if we could question these assumptions and see the world from a fresh perspective?

As Albert Einstein once said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” It’s through questioning that we grow, learn, and broaden our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

So let’s continue to question, explore, and challenge the assumptions that limit us. After all, life isn’t about finding ourselves; it’s about creating ourselves. And that journey begins with questioning.