Reading Minds and Telling the Future: Challenging the “Jumping to Conclusions” Trap
- Brian Feldman
- May 4
- 3 min read
Has your mind ever raced ahead, filling in the blanks with worst-case scenarios or unspoken judgments? Maybe you’ve thought, “She must be mad at me,” when someone didn’t return a text, or assumed, “This will never work out,” before even trying.
This is the distortion of jumping to conclusions, and it’s a surprisingly common trap. In this post, we’ll explore how this mental habit shows up in our lives, how it fuels anxiety and insecurity, and how we can begin to slow down our thoughts and respond to life more clearly and calmly.
What Is Jumping to Conclusions?
Jumping to conclusions is when we make assumptions without solid evidence. It usually shows up in two forms:
Mind Reading – Believing we know what others are thinking, especially when we assume it’s something negative.
Example: “They didn’t say hi so they must not like me.”
Fortune Telling – Predicting that things will turn out badly, without any proof.
Example: “I’m going to fail this interview. I just know it.”
These conclusions feel automatic, like your brain is sprinting ahead before you’ve had a chance to catch your breath.
Why Do We Jump to Conclusions?
This distortion often grows from anxiety, past experiences, or a deep need for certainty. Our brains crave understanding and control so in the absence of information, we fill in the blanks.
The problem? Our guesses are often based on fear, not facts. And those guesses shape our mood, our choices, and our relationships.
How This Distortion Affects Us
In Relationships:
Mind reading can lead to conflict or distance. If you assume someone is angry or disinterested, you may pull away or lash out without checking the facts.
In Self-Worth:
If you believe failure is inevitable (fortune telling), you might not try at all. This avoidance reinforces the belief that you can’t succeed.
In Everyday Life:
You might feel anxious or overwhelmed without fully understanding why. The mind is working overtime, crafting stories that keep you in a loop of stress.
How to Break the Habit
1. Catch the Assumption
When you notice yourself saying, “They probably think…” or “This is going to…”—pause. Ask: Do I really know this for sure?
2. Look for the Evidence
What facts actually support this thought? What might point to a different conclusion?
3. Ask, Don’t Assume
If appropriate, clarify with the person involved. A simple check-in like “Hey, is everything okay?” can often clear up misunderstandings and ease your mind.
4. Reframe with Possibility
Try replacing your assumption with a gentler possibility:
“They might be having a busy day.”
“This could turn out better than I expect.”
“I don’t know how it will go but I’m open to a good outcome.”
You Don’t Have to Believe Every Thought
Just because a thought feels true doesn’t mean it is true. Our minds are powerful, but they’re not always accurate, especially when fear is in the driver’s seat.
At Gentle Empathy Counseling in Buford, GA, we believe in slowing things down, getting curious, and exploring the thoughts that hold us back. You don’t have to live in a future you’re afraid of, or in a story you’ve written without proof.
If you’re ready to move from assumptions to understanding and from fear to clarity, we’re here to help. You deserve a life grounded in truth, not worry.
📞 Ready to begin your journey toward more peaceful thinking?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
STAY TUNED: TOMORROW’S POST: When Good Just Isn’t “Good Enough”: Overcoming Disqualifying the Positive
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