What have you been avoiding? is one of my favourite coaching questions. It is often where we don’t want to go and what we don’t want to do that holds the key to our greatest growth. Whenever I reflect on this, I think ‘eek’ because I know that once I identify what I’ve been avoiding, in most cases, it’s the next must-do step.

This module follows nicely from our work on owning all parts. It is about now observing the world within, and our lives, and beginning to do what we have been avoiding for whatever reason. You will do this one before our modules on healing and going for your goals, because the spirit of this one is that you do not need all your ducks in a row to take the first step forward or to do something that has been stealing more of your energy than contributing to it.

Challenge

Do what you have been avoiding. Having already worked on relationships in Module 3, including having awkward conversations, and having focused on self-care in Module 2, you may find that over the last few weeks you have already done a few things you have been consciously or unconsciously avoiding.

But we can always be a bit edgier and surface what we know we really, really must do, and do it now.

It could be a separation, or a movement away from something. Like the career path that you know doesn’t bring you joy or fulfilment. Or filing divorce paperwork, which will inevitably happen (and there is no perfect time).

It could be moving towards something or a new beginning. Like writing that book in your heart that never seems to hit priority one, even though it’s your life dream! Or joining a dating site. Or reconnecting with an old friend, beginning with an apology or forgiveness.

The places we don’t want to go often hold the key to our deepest sense of self-efficacy. When we do what has been grating on us for years, there is relief and often a quantum leap into a new world where so much is possible. Have faith that even when the task itself feels scary or like it could get messy, remember that you will come out the other side and that that life will be better in ways you cannot yet fathom.

Challenge SUMMARY

♦ Do what you are avoiding.

Yes, there is only one challenge so you can’t avoid it!