Through my many years in business, I have learned to ask lots of questions about contracts, deals and procedures, knowing that what I didn't know could often come back to haunt me. Not knowing the exact details of an equipment warranty or billing agreement can defintely cause a few headaches during the work day. But despite that knowledge, I think it is safe to say that I, like most people, make a lot of assumptions throughout my daily life.

Many of these assumptions are good ones like "Everything will work out ok" or "My friends like doing things with me." But others are actually quite detrimental to our lives like "I'm sure my boss doesn't care what is going on in my personal life" or "If I tell my husband about these shoes I just bought he'll get mad." The truth is, a lot of what we think about...and get wound up about...is inside our minds. We build up potentially negative issues into virtual catasptrophes just waiting to happen...often without cause at all. We are assuming the worst about others, outcomes and often ourselves.

Before you fall prey to your assumptions about others thoughts, feelings or actions, take a step back. Breathe. Clear your mind and let go of the stress you are causing yourself. Vow to ask people for clarification on what they are thinking or wanting so that you don't mistakenly assume the best...or the worst...about what is on their mind. By taking the step of communicating clearly, you'll keep a lot of misunderstandings and hurt feelings from ever creeping up. Similarly, as you develop the habit of doing this more often, you'll let go of the practice of worrying and "what iffing" little by little. And remember the old saying, "the word 'ass-u-me' just makes..."well I'm sure you know how it goes. Speak with clarity, ask questions, and no one will get hurt