Boredom vs. Avoidance

When it comes to working on our goals or doing something challenging we often say:

“I’m bored.”

But sometimes boredom isn’t actually boredom.

True boredom happens when a task is under-stimulating.

Repetitive tasks like data entry, filing paperwork, or organizing spreadsheets can leave the brain craving novelty and challenge. In these cases, adding music, turning the task into a game, or batching similar tasks together can help.

But other times, what we call boredom is actually avoidance.

Tasks like sending organizing papers, making phone calls, or looking at finances may not truly be boring. They may feel emotionally uncomfortable. These tasks can trigger fear of judgment, perfectionism, uncertainty, or self-doubt. Instead of recognizing those feelings directly, the brain often translates them into:

“I don’t want to do this.”

One helpful question to ask yourself is:

“What is this task making me feel?”

That question can reveal whether you’re truly under-stimulated or whether you’re avoiding discomfort.

If it’s boredom, you may need more creativity, challenge, or variety.

If it’s avoidance, you may need smaller steps, less perfectionism, and more compassion for yourself while doing hard things.

Learning the difference matters because boredom and avoidance require different solutions.

Boredom can be a sign that a task should be simplified, delegated, or approached differently.

And avoidance can point directly toward the very growth that will move you forward.

Are you familiar with the Buddhist saying, "The obstacles in your path are the path"?

Your willingness to work on each obstacle, one at a time, will keep you moving in the direction of accomplishing your goals.

If some obstacles are stickier than others, boredom or avoidance is likely the reason why and identifying which it is will help you know how to approach it and then remove it.

After asking yourself the question above ("What is this task making me feel?" Next, ask yourself,

“What is this boredom (or avoidance) trying to teach me?”

Discomfort becomes useful when you stop treating it like the enemy and start treating it like information.

Connect with yourself.

Connect with what you're feeling.

Then, taking meaningful, effective action will come naturally.

Take Care,

Meredith

P.S. No boredom here! I'm off to visit my daughter in Virginia this week, what traveling are you looking forward to?

I'd love an update, support@meredithgcoaching.com

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