Life can be difficult sometimes. We get busier and busier, with seemingly no end in sight. It’s no wonder we try to cope with stress by avoiding things. This plan might seem like a good idea initially, as avoidance will give you a break from whatever you need to do. Eventually, though, you will have to face up to what needs to be done.
How can you handle avoidance when you’re already stressed out?
Schedule Your To-Do List
When times are difficult, our calendar should be our best friend. We already have enough going on in our lives without trying to keep track of every single appointment and all the places we need to be. The trick to using your calendar correctly is to put everything on it what you need, along with a reminder that will pop up later. Then forget all about it. The reminders will keep you on track, and now, instead of avoiding things, you will be doing them on time.
Examine Uncertainty
Are you putting things off because you’re not sure what to do? A lot of our stress comes from not having the right knowledge, not knowing the next step. When this happens, we shut down very quickly. Instead, try asking yourself, “What do I need to know here?” Once you understand what knowledge your lacking, it’s simply a matter of finding those answers and moving on.
Under Promise and Over Deliver
You are stressed out because you messed up and overestimated your abilities, and underestimated the timeline? It’s no wonder you want to shut down. If you have people counting on you, you can’t avoid the situation forever. Start with an honest apology and follow up with a more realistic timeline, this time with a better cushion built in to get things done.
Accept Failure
If you’re avoiding tasks because you’re anxious about the outcome, the only way to solve this is to come to terms with the idea you might not succeed. Rather than quitting before you even try, ask yourself honestly, “what’s the worst thing which can happen” if you fail. The good news? It seldom is as bad as you think it will be. And even if it is, you will still be able to gain something from the experience in terms of lessons learned. Now, remind yourself of the outcome if you succeed and press on.
Remember, anxiety is always going to lead to avoidance. No one wants to do things that they’re sure will lead to disaster. The only way to stop avoidance related to this kind of worry is to allow yourself the idea things can go right. Allow yourself the possibility of success, and the anxiety will eventually melt away.
