Confessions of a Chronic Assumer

In Episode 12, Ellen wraps up Season One of the podcast! She talks about how assumptions impair our ability to reflect. We get caught up in the moment, we don’t pause to reflect until much later, and can’t see the forest through the trees. I’ve shared countless examples throughout these episodes of how I’ve been affected by it. What happens when we’re in these situations? What assumptions are happ...

In Episode 11, Ellen talks about how assumptions cause projections. This shows up in a myriad of ways, from the harmless to the deadly, and everywhere in between. Let’s start with an easier one. Think about putting clothes, glasses, accessories on our pets. That’s a projection of our emotion. How about our kids? Maybe not out loud, but do you label your kids? One is the “easy child”, another is th...

In Episode 10, Ellen wraps up the two-part mini-series talking about how assumptions affect how we think about and set boundaries. Or don’t. Because we assume we can’t. Have you ever felt powerless to say no? To a conversation, to a meeting, to a date, to a physical invasion of your space? Do you find yourself saying things like, “I have to” or “I don’t want to but I don’t have a choice?” It’s lik...

In Episode 9, Ellen kicks off a two-part mini-series talking about one form of boundaries and how assumptions can interfere with how we set boundaries, and if we set boundaries, between our public and private lives. How worried are you about whether or not people like you? People outside of your core family and closest friends. How does that impact how you show up in those relationships? Again, th...

In Episode 8, Ellen talks about how assumptions affect how and if we extend trust to other people. Do you work with someone you don’t trust? Do you feel like they did something to “break” that trust? Do you feel like the burden is on them to “earn” your trust back? Do you avoid interacting with them any more than necessary? What happens when we’re in these situations? How do assumptions interfere...

In Episode 7, Ellen talks about how assumptions affect how, and if, we listen. (What did you say?) Do you already think you know what the other person is going to say? Assumption. Think you already know their perspective? Assumption. Think you know the reasons behind their words or actions? Assumption. What happens when we’re in these situations? How do assumptions interfere with what we do next?...

In Episode 6, Ellen talks about how assumptions affect our questions, from asking to not asking, to how we ask, to what we ask. How do you know what questions are good questions? When is it okay to ask and when is it not? If you thought of a question after, or didn’t want to ask in the moment, can you go back? Join Ellen as she shares her own experiences making assumptions, and insights about ways...

In Episode 5, Ellen talks about how assumptions affect all types of human gatherings, from meetings to 1-1 conversations, to telling your kids to do their chores. Have you ever blurted out something in a meeting and realized quickly that it was the wrong thing to say, or that it came out wrong? Or the opposite–NOT said something and regretted it later? When you’re talking to someone, or in a meeti...

In Episode 4, Ellen talks about how assumptions affect how we show up in various situations, and how we read the room once we get there. Have you ever walked into a new group of people and had the conversation stop? Started a presentation or just sharing your perspective in a meeting only to realize everyone is just staring at you? Or maybe this is something you never even think about? Join Ellen...

In Episode 3, Ellen talks about ways in which confidence affects the assumptions we make, assumptions affect our confidence, and how they are inherently intertwined. How does it hurt us and those around us? What assumptions are at work? How do we overcome those assumptions to prevent them from affecting our confidence? Join Ellen as she shares her own experiences making assumptions, and insights a...

In Episode 2, Ellen talks about things we’re not “supposed” to say, think, or feel. Or are we? Where do these messages come from? Why are they so harmful? What assumptions do they reveal and do they create? How do we overcome those assumptions to move toward a solution? Join Ellen as she shares her own experiences making assumptions, and insights about ways to overcome them.

Let's talk about assumptions! They interfere with successful everyday interactions. But they don't have to... In this first episode, meet your host, Ellen Patnaude, a Chronic Assumer of record. She shares her own story of assuming her way through life by way of introducing herself and what the podcast will discuss.