I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m an overreactor, but I know myself well enough to say I tend to have knee-jerk thoughts and reactions more often than I’d like to admit. And that those thoughts/reactions tend to be pretty rigid in the moment.

Now thankfully I’ve learned to slow down my initial reactions, but let’s be honest, I’m a work in progress.

One way I’ve become better at curbing my tendencies is realizing that…

The opposite of investigation is assuming.

And if I’m not investigating, being curious, or slowing down to get more information, I’m crippling communication.  I’m making it all about me, what I think and what I feel and that’s not inclusive to my partnership.

Because….

When you assume, you take all things personally.
When you investigate, you create distance between the words and the perceived intent.

When you assume, you think you “know”.
When you investigate, you ask.

When you assume, conversations speed up.
When you investigate, conversations slow down.

When you assume, you react.
When you investigate, you listen.

Investigating is harder than assuming.
It’s also a million times better for you and your relationship.

Take the time this week to investigate, to ask, to slow down, to clarify.

I know it will help.

I’m cheering for you,

-A

P.S. If communication is moving way too fast and it feels like all you’re doing is absorbing… why not check out the Communication Masterclass and see how it can transform your relationship.