Permission before assumption
Here are some things I heard people say last month:
“I need to wait until after the Budget is announced.”
“Once everything calms down, I should get back on top of things.”
“I’ll stick with things as they are until Christmas and then rethink in the New Year.”
Assumptions
Each of the above is an assumption. An assumption reliant on something ‘out there’ changing before the person making that assumption can move forward.
Assumption is procrastination in disguise. A delay to decisions and outcomes based on a promise that is outside of their control.
The world has gone a bit crazy recently; that is true. And the dis-ease and unpredictability it has created is enough to make even the most courageous soul wobble.
And so we’re attracted to safe assumptions. Patterns that comfort us in troubling times. Familiarity based on the trouble-free outcomes we have previously enjoyed. I.e. Doing the same things (whilst we wait for the world to settle) means we’ll get the same results, or so we assume.
If you do what you always do, you’ll get what you always got
BTW, I don’t share the word ‘assumption’ in an accusatory way. It’s simply a well-proven observation.
I do, however, want to offer an alternative word.
Permission
Permission to find a way forward on your own terms.
Permission not to wait, not to stay still.
What does permission look like?
Permission is the step forward that doesn’t depend on the thing you’re waiting for.
Unpicking the reasons why ‘waiting’ feels right invites a couple of my favourite questions:
What is it you really want from your business (I mean REALLY want)?
Why is that so important to you that you are prepared to take the brave and brilliant action required to make it happen?
Clarity. Bravery.
And then evidence. Unequivocal proof of what happens when you give yourself permission. Your story is already full of moments where you have bravely taken control, it’s just your brain relegates them to the back of the queue whilst seeking out comfort and predictability.
Permission before assumption
I talk about ‘permission’ a lot, because everyone I work with has, essentially, given themselves permission to ask for help. It is a monumental act of courage. And one that I show incredible respect to by NEVER assuming the answer.
I have heard those three statements at the start of this article more than once, and from different people. And each person has a very different, very personal reason why ‘waiting’ feels like the right assumption for them. The worst thing I can do is gloss over their hesitation with the toxic positivity of “Just crack on and get it done!”
Those patterns of assumption, that need for safety... they sit deep. And it requires specific and individual support to help someone shift their perspective on what 'safe' means, as well giving more attention to what happened previously when they have given themselves permission to 'not wait' before.
Permission is a much braver step than assumption.
But permission is something only YOU can give to yourself.
Permission before assumption then...
Never assume you have to wait.
Not sure what’s behind your ‘until’? The Business Bravery Quiz asks you just 16 questions to help you find out why you’re stuck: Start here
Mark Franklin is The Four Fears® Guy: a transformational mindset coach, speaker and author working with creative professionals and small business owners who are ready to close the gap between the business they have and the one they actually deserve.
PS If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to add your voice to the Brave & Brilliant Business Owner Survey (closes Friday 27th November):
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