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How	else	might	your	avoidance	be	reinforced?
Go
	
Deeper
What	is	Avoidance	Gaining	You?
Avoidance	is	a	short-term	fix	that	causes	more	and	more	anxiety	in	the
long	term.	Try	this	writing	exercise	to	inspire	motivation	and	focus	on
longer-term,	consistent	relief,	versus	quick	fixes	that	never	last	and	have
negative	consequences.
Write	down	two	lists	in	your	notebook:
1.
	
All	the	benefits	of	avoidance.	Be	very	honest	with	yourself	here;
no	one	else	is	reading	this	list.	Write	down	why	you	avoid	and	the
positive	feelings	that	come	when	you	do.	Try	to	emotionally
connect	with	the	feelings—for	example,	the	relief	of	pressure	or
the	power	of	managing	to	get	out	of	something.
2.
	
All	the	benefits	of	NOT	avoiding.	How	would	you	feel	about
yourself—improved	self-esteem,	proud,	less	shame,	strong?	What
goal	might	you	gain—greater	joy,	increased	productivity,	closer
friendships,	increased	work	competence,	increased	spontaneity?
Now
	
compare	the	two	lists.	Which	list	has	more	in	it	for	you	for	the	long
term?	Which	list	makes	you	feel	better	beyond	the	moment	and	also
helps	you	achieve	broader	goals	for	yourself?	Set	your	intention	now	on