Assumptions, Presumptions, Prejudices and Expectations

What can I say with a headline like that?!

We all make assumptions in our lives... judging people and situations based on what we think is correct. Whether the facts are subjective and haven't been absorbed accurately or that our vision has become blinded by another factor, we don't always know of, or can't even see it.

We meet someone who is wearing glasses and we already think particular things, such as whether he/she is as intellectual as the spectacles make them out to be!

Or, we hear someone got full marks in a test, so clearly they must be a genius!

Or, we become friends with someone and learn so much about them that we just assume we know their every move and opinion on issues, and are blinded by occasions where their actions may differ to the presumed status quo.

We form expectations of these people based on our judgements/prejudices whether we wish to recognise it or not.

Sometimes we end up so close-minded that it blocks us from truly learning more from the world and the reality that is before us.

I know this is a weakness of mine and can only hope that through my safe learning environment that I am exposed to in my MBA cohort, I will be able to improve on these attributes.

There is one particular person out there who is regularly keeping a close eye on my movements... alluding me to opportunities where I can improve and where my assumptions are failing my capacity to make objective judgements and decisions.

I only hope that he doesn't lose faith in my learning process, as he too is experiencing this self-development curve, even if the focus is not necessarily on the same attributes as mine. I am hoping we are both in this together... along with our other 60 classmates.

We all have strengths and weaknesses; only if we can see the difference between them can we open ourself up to improvement.

I know that I make thousands of judgements everyday and based on these presumptions I form expectations, which may or may not be met.

Being surprised and having someone behave differently to what you expect can be great - eg Barack Obama hosting a passover seder in the White House... who'd have thought?!

I look forward to being on a journey of self-discovery and improvement this year. Many have inspired me including Mr JB, and I only hope I don't let anyone down...