What Are You Avoiding? The Power of Facing the Uncomfortable

We've all got something sitting in our mental "I'll do it later" folder.

Maybe it's a client email you've been putting off, a tough conversation you're dreading, or that personal design project you've carefully avoided for months.

We creatives are masters of avoidance, turning procrastination into an art form itself.

But what if avoiding the uncomfortable is holding back your best work?

Creative Avoidance: The Quiet Thief of Potential

Avoidance is rarely loud. It whispers justifications like, "I’ll tackle this when I’m inspired," or disguises itself as endless research or planning.

At its core, avoidance is a form of self-protection against uncertainty or fear—fear of criticism, rejection, or simply not being good enough. But every time you sidestep discomfort, you’re quietly limiting your potential.

As freelancers and graphic designers, our growth happens precisely at the edge of discomfort. The very things we avoid are often the areas where we have the most opportunity to expand our creative reach, innovate, and thrive.

By turning away, we unknowingly surrender to creative stagnation.

Why the Uncomfortable Matters So Much

Think back to moments you've genuinely progressed in your creative life. Were they comfortable? Probably not.

Real creativity often feels risky because it stretches you past what’s comfortable or predictable. That hesitation you feel—the uneasiness about tackling a bold design concept or pitching a client—is your internal signal that you're approaching meaningful work.

Your discomfort is actually a guidepost. It’s signalling an opportunity to do something that matters—to move beyond average toward extraordinary.

Imagine a freelance designer who consistently avoids presenting bold ideas for fear of criticism. By staying safe, they might maintain steady work, but they'll miss opportunities to shape truly impactful, distinctive projects.

Embracing discomfort, however, can turn their work from merely good to remarkable.

How Avoidance Limits Your Creative Growth

Avoidance does more damage than just delaying tasks. It gradually weakens your confidence.

Every time you dodge discomfort, you reinforce the idea that you're incapable of handling challenges or criticism.

Over time, avoidance becomes a habit that quietly chips away at your creativity and self-belief.

Conversely, facing discomfort directly strengthens your creative muscles. It builds resilience, courage, and the crucial ability to navigate uncertainty—all essential for building a thriving creative practice.

Practical Ways to Tackle What You're Avoiding

Ready to move from avoidance to action?

Here's a framework you can start applying immediately:

Name the Thing You're Dodging

Ask yourself: “What specifically am I avoiding and why?” Write it down. Clearly naming the discomfort is powerful—it makes it manageable instead of overwhelming.

Shrink the Starting Point

Big, uncomfortable tasks often feel overwhelming because we’re focused on the whole thing at once. Instead, zero in on just the first move—the smallest meaningful action you can take.

Need to deal with a tricky client? Don’t start with the perfect response—just jot down your thoughts, no pressure. Momentum begins with motion, not mastery.

Make Time for What You'd Rather Skip

Don't wait for the "right moment." Schedule time specifically for the uncomfortable task, as though it’s a non-negotiable appointment. Putting it on your calendar means you're less likely to dodge it again.

Flip Discomfort Into Fuel

When you feel resistance, shift your mindset by asking yourself: “What can I learn from doing this?” Seeing discomfort as an opportunity rather than a threat can significantly reduce anxiety.

Treat Feedback as a Shortcut

Feedback, especially critical feedback, is uncomfortable but incredibly valuable. Actively seek it rather than fear it. Remember, improvement comes fastest from engaging directly with constructive criticism.

The Creative Rewards of Facing Discomfort

Every uncomfortable action you take trains your brain to handle uncertainty and risk with greater confidence.

Each step you take outside your comfort zone strengthens your creative instincts, sharpens your problem-solving skills, and builds creative conviction.

Facing discomfort doesn't just advance your skills—it reinvigorates your creative passion. There’s genuine excitement in doing something you previously thought you couldn't.

That confidence fuels your next big idea, creating a positive feedback loop that encourages further exploration and experimentation.

So, What Are You Avoiding Right Now?

Take a moment to be honest with yourself:

“What have I been avoiding, and what’s the worst that could happen if I faced it directly?”

Chances are, the imagined consequences are far worse than reality. By confronting your avoidance, you'll find it's not only manageable but that it unlocks creativity, growth, and confidence you didn't realise you had.

Today, commit to leaning into what feels hard rather than away. The reward waiting on the other side might be exactly what you've been hoping to find all along.

Thanks for reading.

Avoidance may feel safe, but it rarely leads to your best work. The next time discomfort shows up, try meeting it with curiosity instead of resistance.

You might just find your next creative breakthrough hiding inside the thing you’ve been putting off.

Until next time,
—Gary