Overcome an aversion by taking small steps.
Being human means having choices. Choosing to like or not like virtually anything is up to you. Having aversions to things or places that scare you, like dark streets after midnight, is probably smart. But what if your aversion is to the dentist, sex, leafy greens, the telephone or people in your life? At some point, you're going to realize that you can't stand up and defend all of your aversions because of the simple fact that they are holding you back or compromising your health and happiness. Overcoming an aversion means looking at it from a different angle.
Instructions
1. Open a notebook. Write down your aversion in capital letters at the top of the first page. You don't normally approach aversion from a logical standpoint. An aversion is usually a visceral experience. Your gut is coaxing you on a primal level to avoid a person or a situation. You build up scenarios in your head making the aversion appear even more threatening than it really is. The first step to overcoming your aversion is to confront it.
2. Make a detailed list of everything about your aversion that bothers you. Don't hide from the truth. Overcoming an aversion means doing some detective work. Spend a little time plumbing your past for clues as to why you developed this aversion. Exposing the roots of your aversion is a necessary step in helping you overcome it. In addition, record how your aversion makes you feel -- whether it be disgust, fear or resentment. Once you have unmasked all of the history and the emotions associated with your aversion, you'll have a better chance of ruling it rather than letting it rule you.
3. Commit to one actionable step you can take today in order to overcome your aversion. It's not necessary and probably unwise to believe that you can overcome an aversion instantly. You've spent a long time nursing your grievance or fear. If you rush things, you'll only add more pressure to yourself and add more negativity to an already volatile situation. Taking one step is a positive action that will empower you. With a little "win" under your belt, you'll feel more inclined to take another step toward overcoming your aversion.
4. Reward yourself after each step you take to overcome an aversion. By taking steps to overcome an aversion, you are in the process of replacing negativity with positivity. By celebrating your accomplishments, you're reinforcing the positive aspects that accompany overcoming an aversion. Because you've already made the decision to overcome something that is holding you back from enjoying life fully, you should take pleasure in achieving each successful step toward overcoming an aversion.
Tags: your aversion, aversion means, aversion necessary, aversion taking, holding back