We all have something we’re avoiding… Maybe it’s going to the doctor, starting a home or work project, setting an important boundary with a friend or loved one, beginning to budget, or learning to invest…

The reasons we don’t take action on things seem simple enough: it’s not important; other things are more urgent or fun; “I just don’t like it;” “I’ll get around to it.” 

Personally, I’m really good at finding distractions for whatever I’m avoiding. On many days I’d rather snack or do house chores because those are easier and feel like quick wins as compared to doing the important thing (such as making an offer). 

For a long time, this was the approach I took with my finances — I’d tell myself I’d look at them ‘later,’ but later never came because there was always something more fun and interesting (or comforting) to do. 

And, because of fear.

Fear that I wouldn’t understand, fear that it’d take too long, fear that my financial situation was worse off than I imagined. 

If you’ve had this experience, then keep reading.

First, offer yourself compassion. There’s no need to get into a guilt and shame spiral. 

Second, consider, is the thing I’ve been avoiding actually important and worth doing? 

It doesn’t need to be immediately important; it could be important for future you. Like the doctor’s appointment for that irritating symptom your intuition is telling you not to ignore. Or, finally opening & funding that investment account so future you will have enough money. (By the way, the age at which you start investing could be the difference between 5-figures at retirement vs 7- or 8-figures.) 

If the thing is not important now or for future you and might never be, then it’s totally OK to drop it from the to-do list.

Third, if you decide that the icky needs to be done, the next step may be individual and specific to your circumstance. Some next steps might be: 

• Understand why you’re avoiding the thing, so you can address the reason, and then finally do it.

• Get clarity on what you’re intending to do and why, so it seems more manageable. (Make nebulous to-dos concrete, actionable, and goal-oriented.)

• Block time in your calendar, and limit it to a reasonable amount of time so it doesn’t feel like a huge time suck. 

• Find an accountability buddy to watch you or check-in on you. 

Fourth, then, just do the damn thing. 

Honestly, the avoidance is probably worse than doing the actual thing. (From someone who’s been there, done that more times than she’d like to admit. 😉)

A board-certified coach, like myself, can be a great asset to help you navigate resistance, including developing self-compassion and defining what you WANT so it’s easier to move toward your desired future. And, I can help you to ensure your money is working as hard as you do. Find some time on my calendar using the button below.