I think it’s time to start avoiding everything.
I’ve started to think that people who dodge responsibility and skip accountability might be on to something.
Why face your problems head-on when you can push them off a cliff into the deep, dark void of “Later”?
Why deal with your issues when someone else can easily pick up the slack? There are 8 billion other people in this world that any of the problems you’re avoiding could be delegated to.
There’s a saying: “A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it.”
I want to be a wise person!
Not sure what to do about all your problems? Download this Crisis Planner & Journal today!
The Psychology of Avoidance: Why You Might Be Avoiding Everything
Let’s be honest: I didn’t come to this decision lightly.
I find it incredibly difficult to let go of crises and unresolved drama. Especially when they aren’t my problems to solve in the first place.
(Which, now that I think about it… might be my way of avoiding my own problems.)
After doing some research, I’ve discovered that to truly avoid everything and embrace a life of unserious excellence, there are only three rules you need to follow:
3 Golden Rules to Master Avoidance Like a Pro
- Deny, Deny, Deny: Pretend the problem doesn’t exist. Bills stacking up? That’s just modern art. Relationship tension? Surely it will resolve via unspoken vibes.
Pro tip: If you never say it out loud, it can’t legally make you accountable. Probably.
- Distract Like a Pro: Social media? Yes. Alphabetizing your spice rack? Therapeutic. Cleaning the fridge for no reason? Divine.
Avoidance isn’t a habit — it’s a lifestyle. Bonus points for muting calendar reminders and call it “protecting your peace.”
- Tell Yourself It’s Not That Bad: You’re not avoiding – you’re “waiting for clarity.” Or feel you should deal with it later when you’re older and therefore wiser.
The Problem with Problems (and Why They Don’t Just Go Away)
Problems are messy. They show up uninvited, take up space, and demand your energy at the worst possible time.
They’re also sticky. They cling to you like wet jeans — uncomfortable, heavy, and impossible to ignore.
And worse? They multiply. Solve one, and three more pop up like emotional gremlins. The original issue doesn’t die; it evolves. It goes from “mild inconvenience” to “surprise sequel” with bonus stress.
Even when you think you’re being strategic by saying “I’ll deal with it after this project.” Or, “Once I feel ready to tackle it…” Even saying aloud, “Not my monkeys, not my circus” doesn’t make them find a new place to nest.
What You’re Really Trying to Avoid
You think you’re avoiding a situation — but what you’re really dodging is the feeling that comes with it:
- Fear of confrontation
- Shame for not acting sooner
- Guilt for letting things build up
- Overwhelm from doing it all perfectly
Avoidance is sneaky. It disguises itself as productivity. As calm. As “choosing peace.” But really, it’s just pushing discomfort into the future, where it gets even more uncomfortable.
How to Strategically Avoid What Doesn’t Matter
Here’s the real trick to navigating avoidance — without becoming a fully functional adult. (Eww.)
- Deny the Drama—Not the Problem: You don’t need to spiral over every inconvenience. But you do need to acknowledge what’s real. Quiet recognition works better than total emotional shutdown.
Sometimes the quickest, dirtiest solution is enough.
- Distract After You Do One Small Thing: Would you rather get a root canal than deal with something? When you’re ready to take drastic measures to avoid something, just do one small thing to get yourself in a problem-solving mindset. Send the email, make the call, or make a list of steps.
- Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable: This is the magic ingredient. Discomfort doesn’t mean danger — it means growth. Start small: sit with an awkward emotion for 60 seconds without reacting. Let it pass like a wave. Spoiler alert: you survive.
When it comes to problems, deep down, you’re not trying to avoid responsibility. You’re trying to avoid the discomfort that comes along with doing the thing.
So do the thing. Then go back to irresponsibility with a clean conscience.
