Skill

Separate Facts From Assumptions

Identify what you know versus what your mind filled in.

What it is

A fact is something observable. An assumption is a conclusion about meaning, motive, or intent.

How to do it

Ask what a camera would have recorded.

Write only that.

Then write what you think it means.

Label the second part as interpretation.

Ask what information is missing.

Remember

Facts describe what happened. Assumptions explain why. Do not confuse the two.

Want to understand this more deeply?

Chapter 3: Slow My Thinking

Read the story and teaching behind this skill, then come back here when you want to practice it.

Examine the meaning you added to what happened.

Make room for explanations other than your first one.

Distinguish what you feel from what you believe happened.