Much of the time we unconsciously spend our day putting off the things that we really have to or need to do and distracting ourselves with things that we call busyness and activity, but which are really often non-essential and at worst straight out avoidance tactics.

When we finally get around to doing the things that need to be done, we then pick out the most pleasant things first, and put of the things that we are looking forward to least until last, hoping that maybe we will run out of time and thus be able to put them off until later (even if they really do need to be done today!) Thus we set up another mini cycle of avoidance and ineffectiveness.

The problem with this pattern is that, quite appart from the lack of effectiveness and the time-wasting, we spend quite a lot of our day with an unconscious feeling of discomfort that arises from our avoidance. This underlying feeling of discomfort chips away at the depth and quality of our ability to be happy and fully present in each moment of our life. 

Here is a simple three point plan designed to address the above issue that you might like to try out over the next few days and see where it takes you:

1) At the beginning of the day (or allotted period of time you are considering) ask yourself ask yourself “What are the things that I need to do today, and of those activities, which am I least looking forward to?” Write down your list with the least appealing activity highlighted.

2) Note the discomfort and avoidance tactics that arise in your mind when you look at the list, then use your personal power and self-direction to sit down (or stand up/ walk off or whatever the activity demands) and start the list, begining with the activity that you least want to do FIRST.

3) Execute your “must do” list one by one, one after the other. Once you have completed them all you then have the rest of the day to enjoy whatever else you want to do without having any nagging feelings in the back of your mind regarding the activities that you need to do but are avoiding!

© Toby Ouvry 2010, you are welcome to use this article, but you MUST seek Toby’s permission first! Contact info@mentalfitness.com