We’ve all been there—food in the pantry expires because we don’t want to eat it, new clothes linger with their tags on until we donate them, and to-do list items sit untouched for weeks or even months. These tasks and decisions often share a common trait: we just don’t want to deal with them.

Yet, while some of these items can (and should) be let go, many of them need to be done eventually. Ignoring them only prolongs the stress they cause. So why do we avoid these tasks, and how can we finally tackle them?

Why Do We Avoid Certain Tasks?

Avoidance often has deeper roots than mere procrastination. Understanding why we put off specific items is the first step to resolving them.

1. Lack of Interest or Motivation

Some tasks are simply unappealing. We don’t want to eat the dusty can of soup or tackle the boring spreadsheet because they don’t excite or engage us.

2. Emotional Resistance

Certain tasks may evoke negative feelings—fear, frustration, or guilt. For example, we avoid organizing finances because it reminds us of financial stress or put off making a difficult phone call because of potential conflict.

3. Overestimation of Effort

We assume a task will take too much time or energy, so we keep delaying it. Often, the reality is that the task isn’t as daunting as it seems.

4. Unclear Next Steps

Some tasks feel overwhelming because we don’t know where to start. Without a clear path forward, they sit untouched.

The Consequences of Avoidance

Unfinished tasks aren’t just items on a list—they’re mental clutter. Each time we see them, they drain our energy and create guilt or stress. Over time, avoidance can snowball, turning small, manageable tasks into looming obstacles.

How to Tackle the Tasks We Don’t Want to Do

1. Acknowledge the Resistance

Be honest with yourself about why you’re avoiding a task. Is it boring? Overwhelming? Emotionally challenging? Naming the barrier is the first step to overcoming it.

2. Decide What’s Worth Doing

Not every task deserves to stay on your list. Use these questions to evaluate:

  • Does this task need to be done? If not, delete it and let it go.
  • Can this be delegated? Pass it on if possible.
  • What happens if I don’t do this? If the consequences are serious, prioritize it.

3. Break It Down

For tasks that feel overwhelming, break them into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of “organize the entire garage,” start with “sort one box.”

4. Set a Time Limit

Commit to working on the task for just 5 or 10 minutes. Often, starting is the hardest part, and once you begin, momentum carries you forward.

5. Tie It to a Reward

Motivate yourself with a small reward for completing the task. For example, treat yourself to a coffee break after finishing an unpleasant email or phone call.

6. Use Accountability

Tell someone else about the task or ask for help. Sharing your commitment makes it harder to back out.

7. Schedule It

Put the task on your calendar with a specific time to complete it. Treat it like an appointment to ensure it gets done.

What About the Tasks We Really Don’t Want to Do?

Sometimes, the problem isn’t about time or energy—it’s about sheer dislike. For these tasks:

  • Focus on the Outcome: Remind yourself why the task matters. Maybe it’s not fun, but it’s necessary for a larger goal.
  • Just Rip the Band-Aid Off: Often, the anticipation is worse than the task itself. Commit to diving in and getting it over with.
  • Celebrate Completion: Take a moment to appreciate the relief and sense of accomplishment once the task is finished.

Conclusion

We all have tasks we’d rather not do—whether they’re on our to-do list, hanging in our closet, or sitting in the pantry. While some can be let go, many need to be addressed eventually. The longer we avoid them, the more they weigh us down.

By understanding why we resist certain tasks and taking intentional steps to overcome that resistance, we can clear the mental clutter, reduce stress, and make meaningful progress. So take a moment today to look at your list, choose one of those lingering tasks, and tackle it head-on. You’ll feel lighter and more accomplished when it’s finally off your plate.