Recently, I conducted a survey involving colleagues and a few others familiar with me. The question was simple: "Do you think I can ride a bike?" The responses were unexpected: 24 out of 28 people, instinctively answered “no.” Their reasoning stemmed from my ataxia, a condition that affects movements and make it impossible to even hold a cup of coffee without spilling it. Following the same logic , they assumed this would make riding a bicycle undoable.

This reaction, while understandable, reflects a broader human tendency to generalize and categorize based on personal experiences and limited observations. But are such assumptions always accurate? Without deeper insight or experience, we can never truly know.

Well, I Am Capable of Riding a Bike and Have Done So Before

While my condition later affected some of my movements, it didn’t take away my ability to ride. Those who answered "no" likely based their assumptions on surface-level observations. To be honest, I would’ve responded "no" if I weren’t me. At the same time, anyone would be very grateful if we gave our assumptions a second thought—a deeper layer of understanding.

Natural Human Behavior

The people who responded with "no" didn’t intend to harm or underestimate me. Many were likely concerned for my safety or acting out of care. This highlights an important point: pre-assumptions are not always rooted in ill intent, but they can still lead to inaccurate conclusions. This underscores the importance of giving others opportunities to challenge these assumptions.

This behavior isn't limited to others; our own assumptions can also become limitations, preventing us from seizing opportunities and evolving.

First Impressions in the Workplace

Similar scenarios often occur in the workplace. Employees or job candidates are judged based on superficial factors, such as their appearance, health conditions, or limited experience, without being given a fair chance to prove themselves. Even when such judgments come from a place of care or concern, they can lead to missed opportunities—for both the individual and the organization.

In professional environments, real-world experience often uncovers abilities and potential that preconceived notions may obscure. Overcoming these biases requires a willingness to observe, evaluate, and provide opportunities for individuals to showcase their skills.

In my case, you wouldn’t be reading this article if I hadn’t been given the opportunity to enter the world of IT. I was on the verge of giving up when someone believed in my skills and gave me a chance to prove them wrong.

The Importance of Giving Opportunities

In a world where people are often judged by their appearance or disabilities, offering others a second chance can make all the difference. We should challenge our biases and recognize that everyone has unique potential waiting to be uncovered. By giving others the opportunity to prove themselves, we create a more inclusive and compassionate world where everyone can thrive. A simple act of belief in someone’s abilities can spark growth, not only for the individual but for society as a whole.

The Takeaway: Give People a Chance

Just as I was given a chance and encouraged to ride a bike by my parents—and there were people who believed in me when others doubted—I feel compelled to offer chances to others, even if they don't fit the so-called "perfect profile." Everyone has unique potential waiting to be discovered, and sometimes, the most unexpected individuals can surprise you with what they bring to the table. By passing the torch, we create a cycle of belief and opportunity.

Pre-assumptions are natural, but we always have the chance to overlook them and try to get the best out of the people around us.

If you are interested, see this video of me riding a bike . click here.