Ask of each assumption: is this always true? What would have to change for it to be false? The answer is often a possible solution.
- Is there evidence for it, or is it habit?
- Has anyone found a way round it?
- What if the opposite were true?
Common mistake
Writing a fact or a feeling rather than a belief you can test. “I'm stressed” is a feeling; “Stress means I must decide this week” is an assumption.