If you’re dodging your problems like that ex you don’t want to bump into at Tesco, that’s a red flag.
Those issues aren’t going anywhere, and neither are you if you keep dodging them. Here are some ways to stop playing hide and seek with your problems and start facing them head-on. It’s not as scary as you think, promise.
1. Stop pretending everything’s fine when it’s not.
First things first, quit the act. You know, that whole “I’m fine” routine when you’re actually drowning in stress? Yeah, that one. It’s time to be honest with yourself. Maybe you’re stuck in a dead-end job or your relationship’s on the rocks. Whatever it is, admit it’s a problem. It sounds simple, but it’s the first step to sorting your life out. You can’t fix what you won’t acknowledge, right?
2. Figure out what’s making you run away in the first place.
We don’t avoid stuff for no reason. Are you scared of failing? Worried about what people might think? Or maybe you just don’t know where to start. Take a minute to think about why you’re dodging your issues. Once you know what’s holding you back, you can start to tackle it.
3. Chop that big, scary problem into bite-sized pieces.
Big problems are overwhelming, no doubt. But here’s a trick: break them down. If you’re avoiding job hunting, start with just updating your CV. Then move on to looking at job sites. Before you know it, you’re making progress without feeling like you’re climbing Everest. Small steps add up, and they’re way less daunting than trying to solve everything at once.
4. Set a date to start dealing with your issue — and stick to it.
We’re all guilty of the “I’ll do it tomorrow” game. But let’s be real, tomorrow never comes. So pick a date to start tackling your problem and mark it on your calendar. Having a concrete start date makes it real and gives you a kick up the bum to get moving. Just don’t use the time until then as another excuse to put things off, yeah?
5. Spill the beans to someone you trust.
Sometimes, just talking about your problems can make them seem less scary. Find a friend or family member you trust and open up. They might offer a fresh perspective or some advice you hadn’t thought of. Even if they can’t solve your problem, having someone in your corner can make a world of difference. Plus, they can give you a nudge when you start slipping back into avoidance mode.
6. Start with the easy stuff to build your confidence.
Nobody expects you to solve all your problems overnight. Start small. If you’re avoiding sorting out your finances, begin by just checking your bank balance. Small wins build confidence, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to take on the bigger challenges. It’s like working out — you don’t start with the heaviest weights, you build up to them.
7. Give yourself a pat on the back for facing your fears.
Seriously, celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Took that first step? Treat yourself to your favourite takeaway or that game you’ve been eyeing. Making progress feel good is key. If facing your problems always feels rubbish, you’re not going to want to keep doing it. So make it rewarding, and you’ll be more likely to keep at it.
8. Learn to spot the difference between problems you can and can’t control.
Here’s a hard truth: some problems are within your power to fix, and others just aren’t. Learning to tell the difference is crucial. If it’s something you can influence, great — get to work. But if it’s out of your hands, like the weather or other people’s actions, don’t waste energy stressing about it. Focus on what you can change, and try to accept what you can’t. It’s not easy, but it’ll save you a lot of headaches.
9. Get your friends involved to keep you on track.
Sometimes, we need a bit of pressure to keep us going. Tell a friend about your plans to face your problem, and ask them to check in on your progress. Or find a group of people dealing with similar issues. Having someone to report to can give you that extra push when you’re feeling lazy.
10. Brace yourself for setbacks — they’re gonna happen.
Source: Unsplash Let’s be real: things won’t always go smoothly. You might slip up, procrastinate, or hit unexpected roadblocks. That’s normal. The key is not to let these setbacks turn into giving up altogether. If you fall off the wagon, just climb back on. Remember, progress isn’t always straightforward. As long as you’re moving forward more often than backward, you’re doing alright. Keep at it, and you’ll get there.
