The Stories You’re Telling Yourself (That Might Not Be True)

What are you assuming that isn’t really true?

This is where assumptions get a little more personal. Because while the first kind of assumption is about what others know, this kind is about the stories we tell ourselves—quietly, consistently, and often unconsciously.

From a coaching perspective, assumptions are simply untested beliefs. They feel real. They feel valid. But they’re rarely questioned. And over time, they begin to shape how we think, how we show up, and the decisions we make:

• “They don’t value my input.”
• “It’s not the right time to speak up.”
• “If I set this boundary, it won’t be received well.”
• “I’m not ready for that opportunity.”

Sound familiar? These assumptions don’t just live in your thoughts—they drive your behavior. They keep you from having the conversation. From taking the risk. From stepping into something bigger. And the most challenging part? We often act on them as if they’re facts.

So let’s pause and create some awareness: What am I assuming right now? What evidence do I actually have that it’s true? What might be another perspective?

Because here’s the shift—when you begin to question your assumptions, you create space for possibility. You move from reaction to intention. You stop letting untested beliefs make decisions for you. And this is where growth happens. The truth is, many of the limitations we experience aren’t external—they’re internal narratives we’ve accepted without challenge.

What would change if you stopped assuming the worst-case scenario? What if the conversation went better than you expected? What if your voice was received? What if the opportunity you think you’re not ready for is exactly what will help you grow? Because assumptions don’t just protect you—they also limit you. And the only way to know the difference is to question them.

Hi, I’m Carla Hale.

I’ve had to challenge my own assumptions—about what others expected of me, about what I was capable of, and about what might happen if I chose differently. And what I’ve learned is this: clarity doesn’t come from staying in your head. It comes from being willing to question what you think you know.

Because when you shift your thinking, you shift your possibilities.