This a crucial “commandment,” because most of the fear 
we experience in life relates to assumptions we make based on past 
experience or the counsel of others (usually some form of hearsay). 
 
We are tireless assumers. Drop us into any situation and the first 
thing we’ll do, whether or not we know the facts, is begin to make 
assumptions. We are not deterred by ignorance of the facts. 
 
Whenever we don’t know, we simply make more assumptions, more 
quickly. 
 
Most of our assumptions go unchecked. Soon we begin to 
treat them as fact and assign them the power of truth. 
 
There’s only one problem with all of this. Most of our 
assumptions are wrong! Our batting average is so poor it’s a miracle 
our species has made it this far. 
 
In order to survive life’s challenges successfully, we need the 
capacity to challenge our assumptions frequently enough to stop us 
from veering too far off course. Humor nature is our best resource 
for this. Challenging prevailing assumptions is the chief mechanism 
of all humor. 
 
Challenge the assumption that you are sufficiently diligent 
in riding herd on your assumptions by practicing this exercise: 

Exercise #7: 
 
Playing the “What if?” game is a good habit to develop. 
 
What and if are the two words that usually begin any assault on 
your assumptions. “What if ..” is a wake up call to your humor 
nature. Even when you are certain of your facts, “What if ..” is still 
a good habit, because it will stimulate your creativity (eg. What if 
two plus two did not equal four?) 
 
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Practice playing “What if ...” with common every day 
objects. Look around the room right now and try it with anything 
you see. What if this pen wasn’t a pen? What else could it be? A 
microphone ... a miniature space craft ... a jumbo lipstick tube? 
 
 
What if that wasn’t my hat? Would it be a frisbee made of cloth ... a 
lunch box ... a potholder? 
 
Please don’t try to be funny in this exercise. There’s no need 
for it. Simply let your imagination run free.