Avoidance and Procrastination

Procrastination can take many forms, one of them just plain avoidance. Do you find yourself avoiding people or situations, such as conflict or emotionally charged meetings?

The result of avoidance can be a buildup of stress and tension. As one client put it, "like keeping a bunch of juggling balls up in the air." The more you avoid, the more you are juggling, and the more stressed and worried and weighted down you become.

Ask yourself what it is you are afraid of? Avoidance is usually the result of fear of something. When you have identified it, ask yourself why you are avoiding it? What is the worst that can happen?

Think about what it will be like for you after you have confronted the thing. Yes, it might be more difficult, but it will also be a form of relief.

You might want to plan for the results if they are truly threatening, such as a job loss, marriage breakup, or phsyical or emotional harm or retaliation.

But often, it is simply fear of a consequence that is not so frightening, once we identify it and are willing to face it.