“The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.”
I saw this quote the other day, and I thought what a brilliant way to illustrate how people often avoid the very actions that could skyrocket their success or catapult their businesses to new heights. I posted this quote on Instagram and was met with a wave of resonators.
So, why do people tend to romanticize their plans but absolutely dread the execution? It's almost as if they want to engage in self-sabotage.
Is this you? Is there something you are avoiding? If yes then you are not alone!
My Personal Experience:
I remember the first time I posted a video of myself demonstrating the planner. I procrastinated so much; it was painful. Eventually, I did it and wondered why the fear had stopped me for so long. Yes, it was a little uncomfortable, but it felt a whole lot better when it was done.
Step 1: The first step to a solution is to define what it is you are avoiding. This could be anything from showing up in a video to build a personal brand, pitching to a customer, picking up the phone to make sales, or even avoiding a financial review.
So, the first step is to acknowledge what it is you are avoiding, write it down, and accept that this is the challenge at hand. Yes, it can be scary!
Step 2: The next step is to work out why you are avoiding this task or action.
There are numerous reasons, many of which are rooted in psychology. The human psyche is indeed complex, but most avoidance tendencies can be attributed to the following factors:
Fear of failure or success (a biggie): This common foe can paralyze us, making it hard to take the first step.
Perfectionism: The desire for everything to align perfectly can lead to inaction because nothing ever seems quite right or complete enough to start.
Not planning: A lack of a clear and actionable plan can leave people feeling directionless, making it challenging for them to take the initial steps towards their goals.
Waiting for the perfect time: Many individuals wait for the "ideal" moment to start, a moment that often never arrives, resulting in prolonged inaction.
Not allocating enough time and rushing: Overwhelmed with everything and not prioritizing the important and allocating the deserved amount of time.
Lack of clarity or direction: Without a clear sense of where they are heading, individuals may find it difficult to take meaningful action, as they are unsure of the path they should follow.
Overwhelm from a heavy workload: A substantial workload can be overwhelming, causing people to procrastinate or avoid tasks altogether due to the sheer volume of work.
Self-doubt and procrastination: Procrastination often stems from self-doubt, which can create a cycle of avoidance that prevents individuals from taking action on their goals.
Lack of skill or knowledge: A perceived lack of the necessary skills or knowledge required for a task can be a significant deterrent, discouraging individuals from even initiating the task.
Step 3:
Understanding these psychological factors that underlie avoidance behavior is indeed the first crucial step in overcoming these challenges and unlocking one's true potential for success and personal growth.
But, as the saying goes, "Where there's a will, there's a way." Here are some proven strategies to dissolve that resistance:
Break it into Manageable Steps: Divide your goal into bite-sized tasks that are easier to tackle.
Be realistic about the time it will take : Give yourself enough time. Remember Rome was not built in a day. Good things take time. This one thing could catapult your business. Give it the time it deserves
Invest in Learning and Development: Knowledge is power, and investing in yourself is one of the most valuable investments you can make.
Seek Training or Education: If you lack specific skills, don't hesitate to enroll in courses or workshops.
Collaborate with Experts or Mentors: Surround yourself with individuals who have walked the path you're on.
Focus on Continuous Improvement: Every day is an opportunity to get better at what you do.
Identify Tasks that Can be Delegated: You don't have to do everything yourself; delegate tasks to free up your time.
Hire Experts or Freelancers: For specialized projects, bringing in experts can be a game-changer.
Focus on High-Impact Activities: Prioritize tasks that have the most significant impact on your goals.
So what's one task you've been avoiding recently, and how do you plan to tackle it?
Let’s commit to tackling it in the coming week. First, write it down and then follow the steps. Would love to know how you get in.
Unlock Your Potential with a Free Planner: Remember, the path to success often begins by embracing the tasks you've been avoiding. These are the very challenges that, when conquered, can lead to growth and transformation in your professional journey. To help you get started, I'm offering a free planner that can assist you in breaking down your goals, planning your actions, and staying on track. Download it here and take the first step toward your business growth, personal branding, and sales excellence.