DON'T PUT 2 AND 2 TOGETHER AND MAKE 5....

How To Do It All

This week, I want to talk to you about why it’s so important not to make assumptions about anything or anyone and not to put 2 and 2 together sometimes and make 5! Making assumptions without sufficient evidence can lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary complications.

We’ve often seen ourselves or other people make assumptions about things and connect imaginary dots where there really aren’t any, or jump to conclusions too quickly. It’s so tempting to draw lines sometimes between unrelated events, but doing things in this way often leads us into unforeseen difficulties, or misunderstandings.

But it’s important to recognise this and always take a moment, step back and reassess before committing yourself to any conclusion. Even in situations where things don't add up, or the answer seems obvious, deep down, you may know instinctually that your initial assumptions may not be quite right.

It's like doing a puzzle, where a piece just doesn’t seem to fit. That's when we’re putting 2 and 2 together and making 5. However, collecting all the facts and evidence is vital before reaching any conclusions. That's how you avoid making 5.

Here are some examples:

- Imagine misreading or misinterpreting a written text message, social media post, or email and assuming too quickly that it says something it doesn’t. This even happens in well-crafted books or other more considered communication. This can lead to unnecessary conflict.
- Or imagine hearing a rumor, or hearing two different stories about the same thing, or hearing half a story that might make you think something. You can too quickly assume a full narrative, without considering the context. or the potentially missing pieces.
- Or imagine seeing something with your own eyes. Even that can mislead you. For example, just seeing somebody somewhere, or with someone that, in your eyes, they shouldn’t be with, doesn’t mean anything wrong is happening. Always give other people the benefit of the doubt, no matter how difficult.

However, quick judgments are necessary if time is limited. Gut instinct is crucial. Overanalysing may lead to paralysis by analysis, Assumptions, or judgments, while risky, also provide a starting point. Dismissing them entirely may mean not spotting important patterns, or missing useful insights. Seeking absolute certainty may also be unrealistic.

So, this week, try not to make 5 out of 2 and 2. Avoid premature conclusions. Jumping to conclusions without evidence creates problems. Gather facts before making judgments, or assumptions. And try to consider a person's situation first, just like you hope they would do for you if your roles were reversed!
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