Why can’t I just do the damn thing?

Questioner: Hi Simone! Thank you so much for creating T and D and your huge generosity in helping people work through any blocks too. It’s so helpful witnessing other people’s coaching!

I’m a self-aware hider and have gotten the email challenges—my block is that they all sound really good and I say, “Yeah, I totally should do them; I’m going to!” and then somehow I just… don’t. The day slips by and I think, “Okay, maybe tomorrow,” but in a surprise to no one, tomorrow never comes.

I’m struggling with how I could overcome this and actually just do it. Thanks in advance for any insight you’re able to share!!

Simone: You’re procrastinating for one reason: you don’t want to feel bad. Taking action involves being willing to feel bad. Doing brave things feels a little bad. You want to feel good. Asking me for advice feels good. Reading the emails feels good. At least, not bad.

Actually doing the thing feels bad. Be willing to feel bad.

Questioner: Oof, yes, this really cuts to the heart of it so precisely. Thank you so much for responding, I really appreciate it.

Do you have any suggestions for how to overcome the unwillingness of feeling bad? Logically, I know that hiding is giving me a fleeting sense of safety (the plight of the self-aware hider, I suppose), but I still get stuck in the gap between knowing and doing.

Or am I continuing to hide by even asking that question? And there are no tips besides just doing the damn thing? *shrieks in terror*

Simone: The last two sentences? Yes.

Questioner: Roger that!! Thank you so much