The Magic You Are Looking for Is in the Work You Are Avoiding

The Story of My Unfinished Project

A few months ago, I had an idea for a project. It was something I knew could be great—a coding project that could help students like me. But every time I sat down to work on it, I found something else to do. I watched YouTube videos, scrolled through social media, or convinced myself that I was “too tired” and would do it tomorrow. Days turned into weeks, and the project stayed unfinished.

Sound familiar? We all have something important that we keep avoiding—whether it’s studying for an exam, starting a workout routine, writing an essay, or working on a passion project. But why do we avoid the very thing that could change our lives?

Why Do We Avoid Important Work?

The answer is simple: resistance. When something truly matters to us, we feel pressure to do it well. This creates fear—fear of failure, fear of not being good enough, fear that it won’t turn out the way we imagine. Our brain wants to protect us from discomfort, so it looks for easy distractions.

Psychologists call this procrastination, but it’s not just about being lazy. It’s a battle between the part of us that wants to grow and the part that wants to stay comfortable.

How to Overcome Resistance

The good news? The magic happens when we push through the resistance. Here’s how:

1. Start Small

The hardest part is starting. Instead of thinking, I need to finish this entire project, say, I’ll work on it for just 10 minutes. Once you begin, momentum takes over.

2. Embrace Imperfection

You don’t have to be perfect. No one is. What matters is showing up and making progress. A bad first draft is better than no draft at all.

3. Use the ‘5-Second Rule’

Count down from five—5, 4, 3, 2, 1—and take action immediately. This stops your brain from talking you out of it.

4. Remove Distractions

Put your phone away, block social media, and create a focused environment. The fewer distractions, the easier it is to stay on track.

5. Remember Your ‘Why’

Why does this work matter to you? Is it to improve your skills, achieve a goal, or create something meaningful? Keep that reason in mind whenever you feel like giving up.

The Breakthrough Is on the Other Side of Resistance

Looking back, I realize that the thing I was avoiding was exactly what I needed to do. Once I finally started, I felt a sense of accomplishment, and everything became easier. The fear and doubt faded. The same can happen for you.

Whatever work you’ve been avoiding, start today. Take one small step. The magic you are looking for isn’t in waiting—it’s in the work itself.

So, what’s the one thing you’ve been avoiding? Go do it now.