March 2025

13 CHALLENGE THE THOUGHT MARCH 2025 Have you ever found yourself filling in the blanks of an uncertain situation with a storyline that, in hindsight, was completely inaccurate? It’s human nature to create narratives when we don’t have all the answers. Our minds attempt to bridge gaps in information, but the problem is that these assumptions are often based on fear, insecurity, or past experiences rather than reality. More often than not, these assumptions lead us to blame ourselves unfairly. THE DANGEr Of AssUmpTiONs Imagine you send a text to a friend, and they don’t respond. Hours pass, then a full day, and your mind begins crafting a storyline: Did I say something wrong? Are they mad at me? Maybe they don’t want to be friends anymore. But what if their phone died? Or they got caught up with work or family? Or they saw the message but planned to respond later? The reality could be completely different from the one you constructed in your mind. When we accept our assumptions as truth without questioning them,wecreateunnecessary stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. These thoughts can shape our emotions and actions in ways that aren’t beneficial. TEsTiNG THE THOUGHT One of the most powerful tools in life coaching is helping clients “test the thought.” This means taking a step back and evaluating the accuracy of the narrative we’ve created. Here’s how you can do it: 1. IdEntIFy tHE tHOUgHt – What is the assumption you are making? Write it down. 2. ExAMInE tHE EvIdEnCE – Ask yourself, What facts support this thought? What facts contradict it? 3. COnsIdER ALtERnAtIvE ExPLAnAtIOns – Could there be another reason for this situation? Challenge yourself to come up with at least three possibilities. 4. AssEss tHE IMPACt – How does believing this thought make you feel? How would you feel if you believed a different thought? 5. dECIdE On A COURsE OF ACtIOn – What response serves you best? Sometimes, simply waiting for more information can be the best choice. By testing our thoughts, we move away from self- blame and emotional distress toward a mindset that is more balanced and rational. Instead of jumping to negative conclusions, we learn to pause, analyze, and reframe our perspective. Life coaching teaches us that our thoughts are powerful, but they are not always facts. When we take the time to challenge our assumptions, we gain clarity, reduce stress, and cultivate a healthier, more resilient mindset. Next time you catch yourself creating a story in your mind, take a moment to test the thought. You might be surprised at how often reality is much kinder than the assumptions we make. sEpArATiNG fACT frOm fiCTiON iN OUr miNDs to learn more, request a COMPLIMEntARy call at : www.richtaylorcoaching.com