I think we can all agree that the visual of the person with crossed arms, defiant posture, and dark scowl is not one limited to the two-year-old toddler or the all-knowing teenager. Far from it.

As adults, we’ve developed more subtle ways of communicating when we are disinclined to do something. 

We can forgive (somewhat) our younger selves for those tendencies to procrastinate, reject, or resist something for seemingly no concrete reason. But, as experienced humans, we have a unique opportunity to look at these situations from a more enlightened perspective.

And, then armed with this insight, remove emotional barriers keeping you from doing the things you have always wanted to do.

For instance, when you hear yourself saying: “I don’t want to,” are you really saying …

“(It) is going to be harder than I expect it to be.”

“I am going to lose interest and won’t see it through.”

“I am afraid.”

“I don’t want to fail.”

“I don’t think I am capable of doing what is expected.”

“I am not motivated.”

“(It) will put me outside my comfort zone.”

The next time you find yourself being less than enthusiastic about something you know deep down needs attention or offers a potential benefit, stop. 

Be honest with yourself in asking yourself these questions. If there was a chance a buried treasure lie beneath the sand, would you still walk by or pick up your shovel?

Acknowledge those feelings of fear or self-doubt. Being uncomfortable is a sign that we are on the brink of something better.

Look at the pros and cons of taking action. You already know which list will be longer.

Determine whether your decision aligns with your priorities. If there is a disconnect, you’ll realize choosing “no action” is undermining what you want most

Then do it. Tackle that pile of bills. Go for that walk. Make an appointment. Purge all the refined sugar from your kitchen.

Like the pins that fall when struck by a fast-moving, 15-pound bowling ball, watch how those obstacles scatter and disappear.

(outquote)

“If you do what you need to do when you need to do it, then the day will come when you can do what you want to do when you want to do it.” – Zig Ziglar