Confront The Pain

Anyone reading this blog has had times throughout the day when they find themselves working up the courage to tackle undesirable tasks. Normal. For most it’s probably little annoyances that need our attention and we’re able to push through, but what about those tasks that make us feel overwhelmed and stop dead in our tracks? I believe that’s when some folks start finding ways to delay the inevitable, rely on certain vices to ease the pressures we encounter daily. I can say with honesty that these things will not make it easier or less painful. In order to get where you want to go and attain goals you’ve set for yourself, confronting the uncomfortable is the only way to push past your current situation….”Confront the Pain.”

Whether it’s drugs, social media, food or any other vice of choice – all these things are used to delay the inevitable. Nothing worthwhile having in life is easy. Confronting the pain is the only way to push past your current situation. It takes courage to make tough decisions, look closely at your situation and identify what’s prohibiting you from making more money, better investments or more meaningful relationships. What are you afraid of?

I feel overwhelmed by various tasks throughout my day; trying to get my podcasts done on deadline or writing my blogs, being present with my family, and finding time for myself are things I constantly juggle. There are sub-tasks involved with every one of these goals. I know I have deadlines but often other things cloud my productivity. By using the techniques below, I’m able to inch toward the finish line. Here are some strategies that I’ve used:

1. Lock Down – If you’re working on something that’s going to take a long time, and you have the urge to try to rush, feel impatient or want to give up, pretend you’re in a locked room. You don’t have access to those things that sideline you or allow you to cut corners. You can take the time to slow down and quietly get every single detail right.

2. Ask for help – This is one of the most reasonable things to do and yet the most difficult. I have made tremendous mistakes and suffered setbacks because I didn’t ask for help. But I can tell you that whenever I do, I’m amazed at how much of it I receive. People want to help you. Let them.

3. Make a decision – Remember, most decisions don’t require extensive research. I often get paralyzed by my inability to make a decision, but by reminding myself that often, one choice just isn’t that much different from another choice, I can move on.

4. Take a baby step – If you feel yourself dismayed at the prospect of the chain of awful tasks that you have to accomplish, just take one step today. Tomorrow, take the next step. The forward motion is encouraging, and before long, you’ll probably find yourself speeding toward completion.

5. Do it first thing in the morning –  Before you have time to think about it or talk yourself out of it! The night before, vow to yourself to do the painful work first – to make the painful decision first. Just do it. Don’t allow yourself to reflect or procrastinate.

I’m very good at making myself do things I don’t want to do, and while this is an enormous help in many situations, it has also allowed me to make some pretty substantial mistakes in my career and personal life. I’ve found that you can’t accuse yourself of being lazy or being a procrastinator, but ask yourself – what’s making this so difficult? The fact that you’re finding it hard to make yourself do something is a sign that maybe you should be doing something else.

To leave you on a positive note – confronting pain and taking on uncomfortable challenges can be life changing. It will bring happiness. The most painful part of today may bring you the most satisfaction tomorrow.