I Feel Like I’m Avoiding Something..

I’ve been waking up with a knot in my stomach that won’t go away. Sometimes your body knows you’re avoiding something before you realise it yourself. In this episode, I share what this gut-churn means and how I’m learning to address it instead of pushing it aside.

One key theme is the power of small steps. I talk about how little actions can build momentum, even if they feel awkward at first. There’s also a reminder to tune into our natural signals because our gut often warns us long before our minds catch on.

The Tummy Twinge

That deep-down discomfort can feel like a nudge saying, “Hey, pay attention.” We’re wired to notice problems, but we also get skilled at avoiding them when they scare us. In my case, it was a project at work that felt overwhelming. I kept telling myself I’d do it later, but the stomach flip-flops never stopped.

“I had this uneasy feeling in my tummy for days, like a gentle alarm that wouldn’t stop ringing.”

When I finally paused and asked, “What am I running from?”, it gave me clarity. I realised I was afraid of failing and letting my team down. Naming the fear was half the battle. It was like bursting a balloon: the tension diffused once I spoke it out loud.

Why We Avoid

Avoidance gives short-term relief, but it can grow the problem even bigger in our minds. It’s easier to pretend it’s not there, right? Except that means a constant undercurrent of stress. This is especially true if you’re wired for imagination. You might dream up all kinds of worst-case scenarios.

• We think ignoring it will make it vanish
• We worry about looking silly or incompetent
• We don’t have a clear plan of action
• We doubt our own abilities

But we can’t outrun what’s basically inside our heads. That’s when the stomach churn becomes your body’s alarm system. It’s saying, “Let’s deal with it, so we can move on.”

Building Courage One Step at a Time

I’ve found that big leaps can be paralysing, so consider small steps. If the task is to give a presentation, start by listing your main points. Or if you’re dreading a tough conversation, write a quick script of what you want to say. Little moves add up, and progress builds confidence.

Also, notice when you’re spinning in place. If you’re constantly scrolling social media instead of taking action, set a timer for five minutes. Promise yourself you’ll do just one step after that. Even the most hesitant among us can handle five minutes.

A Gentle Plan for Facing Your Avoidance

Start by naming the fear and being honest about it. Then break down the task into the smallest tasks you can imagine. Finally, tackle them one by one.

Try something like this:

1. Write a list of what you’re avoiding.
2. Pick just one item and dissect it into tiny tasks.
3. Set a timer for five minutes, then do the easiest task first.
4. Stop and reward yourself, even if it’s just a moment of relief.
5. Repeat the process as needed until you see real progress.

• Listen to your gut; it often knows the real issue.
• Avoiding builds mental tension; facing it brings relief.
• Tackling one small piece at a time works wonders.
• Your body’s signals deserve your attention.

If you’d like to dive deeper into my personal journey with this tummy twinge and how I’m learning to transform anxiety into action, you can hear it all in the full episode. The player’s right at the top of the page, so press play whenever you’re ready. Give it a listen, and let me know if it strikes a chord with you.