AVOIDING SITUATIONS AND TASKS[MENTAL HEALTH]1

Avoiding situations and tasks that frighten us is, in many ways, the most natural thing in the world. Evolutionarily speaking. It has also probably helped our species to survive! We see a bear and run from the bear. We see a lion and run from the lion. The problem comes when you apply this very same fight -or-flight reaction to situations that aren’t genuinely life-threatening -like taking on a new role at work, for example.

When we avoid these sorts of tasks , we get the temporary relief from anxiety and fear. ,but we also limit real opportunities that put us outside our comfort zones but could also be compelling and meaningful -such as developing new skills.

With that in mind, I’ve uncovered an array of impressive tactics we all use to avoid situations outside our comfort zones. As you go through them , think to yourself if any of these avoidance tactics applies to you.

I will complete in article 2 soon.