Turning Avoidance into Accomplishment

At the end of a long day, do you feel drained without much to show for it? I can certainly relate to that feeling.

We all have projects waiting for us, the ones we truly want to make progress on. Yet somehow, we find ourselves preoccupied with a whirlwind of tasks that don’t really move the needle. A story from a client of mine might resonate with you…

He shared, “I have critical projects that need my focused attention. I’m fully capable of doing them, but the more significant or crucial they become, the more I feel compelled to avoid them.” Does this sound familiar? “No surprise, I feel my stress and anxiety escalate the more I delay.” He continued, “It’s not about doubting my skills. I know that once I dive in, I can handle the challenges and complete the task just fine. Yet, despite this confidence, getting started feels impossible.”

In our first coaching session, he labeled himself as ‘lazy.’ However, as I learned about his work and responsibilities, it was evident he achieved more in a week than many do in much longer! Laziness wasn’t the issue; time was.

Many leaders, me included, face this pattern. We can be our harshest critics, often shaped by early experiences where we might have been labeled ‘lazy’ for avoiding certain tasks. That term can stick and influence how we view ourselves, even as adults.

But there’s a silver lining! We can reshape our inner narratives for better results. Consider nurturing thoughts like:

– I achieve what I set my mind to.

– I choose to prioritize the important projects. Whatever isn’t finished likely wasn’t crucial.

– When I start significant work, I see it through successfully.

Transforming avoidance into accomplishment can be broken down into simple steps:

1. Acknowledge when that inner critic tells you you’re not doing enough.

2. Visualize that critique in a “mental box” and thank your mind for the signal.

3. Without delay, take a small step forward—perhaps as simple as creating a project folder, asking for details, or reaching out to a collaborator. The key is just to start.

4. Notice how your action sparks a shift in your energy. Chances are that your enthusiasm will begin to build.

Think of this as nurturing your mental fitness. We’re gently guiding our minds from criticism to support. It’s quite like physical fitness.

When you see the treadmill, do you find yourself calculating the workout needed to burn off a recent treat, possibly longing for another bite? Once we start exercising, though, our energy often picks up, coaxing us to continue a bit longer. It becomes progressively easier each time.

Just as commanding our bodies is vital for our health, so is directing our minds in the service of achievement. Let’s embark on this journey together, reshaping our inner worlds for the better.

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