What’s the difference between assumptions and beliefs?

What’s the difference between an assumption and a belief?

Assumptions ARE beliefs, but not held with as much conviction. 

They’re often made on the spot, based on context. 

And, beliefs are built on assumptions of things we believe to be true. 

They’re deeply rooted and enduring, even in the absence of evidence. 

When we choose to examine our beliefs, we must question every assumption’s validity that creates the belief.

This is what makes changing, or upgrading our beliefs based on new assumptions, a challenge.

Assumptions are often buried deep within us, connected to things of the past, to other people’s beliefs, opinions, and intentions. 

—Circumstances that did not originate from ourselves but mold who we are.

As adults, now we get to question those beliefs and assumptions, if we choose, and become more aligned with who we actually are. 

Once we change our beliefs, we can change our actions to better serve ourselves and reach our potential for success and fulfillment. 

Julie Browne, LCSW

Coach at Courage-Ignite™

Author of Masters of Change