We are, all of us, amazing at avoiding things.
Our minds are less thinking machines than they are avoiding machines.
And the incredible thing is that we arent even usually aware that were avoiding thinking about something.
This post originally appeared onZen Habits.
We put off exercise because its uncomfortable.
So in the present moment, we might feel some temporary relief.
But what it does is relegate us to a life of running.
A life of distraction and never facing what ails us.
This means we are at the mercy of our fears, of our discomforts.
The same is true of exercise, healthy eating, finances, clutter, relationships, and more.
In the end, we usually have to deal with these things, but theyve just gotten worse.
It would have been better to face them early on, when they werent such a big deal.
And if we do, none of its that big of a deal.
We avoid, like crazy.
Youre doing it all day long, but not realizing it.
Name what youre avoiding.
Just stay with this fear, discomfort, difficulty, in the present moment.
How bad is it?
Youll find that its No Big Deal.
Stay with it for a little longer.
And a little longer after thatchallenge yourself.
Youll get better at dealing with discomfort, instead of running from it as most people do.
Youll get better at not procrastinating, and doing uncomfortable tasks.
Youll be more present and more willing to stay in the moment rather than needing distractions all the time.
Not overnight, but with practice.
You might have the urge to dismiss this article, to avoid practicing this technique.
That too is avoidance, and I urge you to face it this moment.
Its about clearing the clutter so we can focus on whats important, create something amazing, find happiness.
My name is Leo Babauta.
Photo byMike Wilsonvia Unsplash.
