Self-deception and avoidance are two complex psychological phenomena that can significantly influence our decisions and behaviors. Why do some people tend to deceive themselves or avoid facing certain realities? In this article, we will explore the causes and consequences of self-deception and avoidance, as well as some strategies to address these behavioral patterns.
Self-deception: deceiving one's own mind
Self-deception is a psychological mechanism through which a person distorts reality or deceives themselves to avoid facing certain uncomfortable truths. Although it may seem contradictory, self-deception is a strategy that our brain uses to protect our self-esteem, reduce anxiety or preserve a positive image of ourselves.
One of the main reasons behind self-deception is cognitive dissonance. , a state of psychological tension we experience when our beliefs or behaviors conflict. To reduce this discomfort, our mind tends to justify or rationalize our actions, even if they go against logic or objective evidence.
Types of self-deception
Self-deception can manifest itself in various ways and in different areas of our lives. Some common examples include denying personal or health problems, minimizing risks or consequences, attributing success or failure to external factors, and idealizing relationships or situations.
Sometimes self-deception can occur. be adaptive, as it helps us maintain our self-esteem and cope with stressful situations. However, when it becomes a persistent pattern of behavior and prevents us from facing reality effectively, it can have negative consequences on our emotional, social, and work lives.
Avoidance: running away from reality
Avoidance is another defense mechanism that we use to protect ourselves from the emotional or psychological discomfort that facing certain situations or problems could generate. Instead of facing a problem head-on, we choose to avoid or postpone it, which in the short term may bring us relief, but in the long term it can lead to more stress and difficulties.
Avoidance can manifest itself in various ways, including: such as constant distraction, procrastination, substance use to avoid emotions, overdoing activities to avoid facing one's own inner life, among others. These strategies may seem effective in the short term, but in the long term they interfere with our ability to grow, learn, and adapt to life's challenges.
Causes of Avoidance
Avoidance It is usually related to fear of failure, rejection, criticism or emotional pain. Instead of exposing ourselves to these experiences, we prefer to stay in our comfort zone, avoiding any situation that could trigger negative emotions or internal conflicts.
In addition, avoidance can be influenced by limiting beliefs about our abilities or resources. to cope with challenges, as well as past experiences of pain or trauma that lead us to avoid similar situations in the future. These avoidance patterns can become automatic and hinder our personal and emotional growth.
Understanding and overcoming self-deception and avoidance
Recognizing and addressing self-deception and avoidance requires introspection, authenticity, and courage. Below are some strategies that can help you understand and overcome these behavior patterns:
1. Cultivate full awareness (mindfulness)
Practicing full awareness helps you be present in the current moment, without judging your thoughts or emotions. This allows you to clearly observe your patterns of thought and behavior, identify signs of self-deception or avoidance, and choose more conscious and healthy responses.
2. Challenge your beliefs and automatic thoughts
Questioning your limiting or distorted beliefs allows you to see situations with greater objectivity and realism. Learn to identify negative or irrational automatic thoughts and replace them with more balanced and constructive thoughts that help you face challenges effectively.
3. Accept discomfort and uncertainty
Learning to tolerate emotional discomfort and uncertainty is essential to overcome avoidance. Instead of running away from negative emotions or challenging situations, allow yourself to feel those emotions, recognizing and accepting them as a natural part of the human experience.
4. Seek professional support
If you feel that self-deception or avoidance is significantly affecting your emotional well-being or relationships, consider seeking help from a therapist or psychologist. A trained professional can help you explore the underlying causes of these patterns and develop effective strategies to overcome them.
5. Practice self-reflection and authenticity
Spend time reflecting on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors honestly and authentically. Know yourself, identify your personal values and goals, and act consistently with your true self, rather than falling into automatic patterns of self-deception or avoidance.
In conclusion, self-deception and avoidance are strategies that we use to protect ourselves from painful emotions or threatening situations, but that in the long term can limit our personal and emotional growth. By cultivating mindfulness, challenging your automatic beliefs, accepting discomfort, seeking professional support, and practicing authenticity, you can begin to overcome these patterns and live more authentically and fully.