We procrastinate and self-sabotage often without realizing it. Our midbrain takes over from our prefrontal cortex and daily choices become our daily habits. We suddenly stop scrolling and wonder where the last 2 hours just went. That’s the midbrain at work! Our prefrontal cortex/conscious brain is only being used a small percentage of the time because critical thinking is hard work. And our brain loves an easy way out.
But what if there is more to it than automating processes like cleaning and driving. What if the avoidance in mindlessly scrolling or fast forwarding through Netflix on the weekend is not in fact the midbrain at work, and is actually a sign of something else. And if it is, how do you know the difference?
Knowing your own limits are so valuable in keeping your mental and physical health on the straight and narrow. It is so easy to put something off and say it’s a healthy boundary. But maybe it’s just a good excuse to keep avoiding it too. The only way you’ll know, is if your anxiety about that thing grows after setting a boundary. Most often, a boundary will feel scary immediately and then quite relieving soon after. But simply adding another item onto the “do not deal with” pile, only increases your preoccupation with that thing.
So which is it for you? And if it is avoidance, choose one thing you can do right now to feel at peace about your to-do list.
