The cost of inaction
By Catharina Kallio
The cost of inaction in life
In a society where we are mostly focused on accomplishment and achievement, inaction is almost entirely overlooked. The cost of inaction in life can be bigger than we think since inaction can have a heavy price in many areas of our lives. Emotional, physical, and even economic factors all play a role. Inaction is simply something many of us would benefit from paying more attention to. But what is inaction, what does it tell us and why should we focus on it?
Inaction and analysis paralysis
What most of us do when we approach situations and challenges, in general, is do it with action in mind. The question of which choice to make occupies our minds. We might discuss our choices with family and friends. Sometimes we come up with the answer but many times we don’t. Instead, we feel overwhelmed and get stuck. We get paralyzed and feel we lack the capacity to do anything.
In this analysis paralysis mode, our heads are filled with questions like: “Maybe I do not have the right information to make a decision yet.” “I´m not sure what to do.” “What if I select the wrong choice?” The thinking back and forth is nonstop and might continue for a long period of time. Which will result in the decision-making process coming to a halt. Instead, a lot of energy is spent worrying.
The analysis paralysis situation described can at its peak suck a lot of energy out of us. But analysis paralysis can also be useful. Why? Because if we decide to get curious about ourselves and the situation, we will learn a great deal. I´ll get back to this later.
We can also show inaction in life when we refuse to pay attention to a situation. Deep down we know we should look at the situation and do something about it. But instead, we push it aside. By doing so we somehow wish it would just vanish or go away. I bet you have had these situations in life, haven’t you
Inaction is a choice and gives us great information
Now we come to the part where we get to be curious.
Please keep in mind that inaction is, as a matter of fact also a choice. Despite knowing we have a few choices, for some reason we tend to remain stuck rather than make a decision. We choose not to make a choice between them.
Then we have the other situation, as mentioned above. On some level, we recognize our inaction, but we tell ourselves that it doesn’t need to be addressed. A situation like this might include asking for a raise, changing jobs, or ending a relationship that doesn’t work. Or maybe there is something you should do regarding the upbringing of your kids.
One way or the other, inaction is worth being curious about. Understanding what lies behind it can give you some valuable information about who you are and how you prefer to behave. Only then can you make deliberate choices to transform yourself. Or change the situation you are in and learn something from it.
How to understand what lies behind inaction
If you are experiencing analysis paralysis. Try to understand what is lurking behind your inaction by asking yourself a few questions
What am I avoiding?
Why am I avoiding it?
What is the feeling I am avoiding?
Which situation/result am I avoiding?
Asking these questions will give you more insight into where your fears lie. We often fail to act because there is fear of some sort behind our inaction. It might be the feeling of being ashamed or not good enough or maybe the possibility of being let down by someone. It might also have to do with the fear of not being accepted by the people in your environment.
If you recognize you are in the other situation, inaction is when you feel as though you should do something. But avoid it at all costs because you are not sure you want to see it. That is when true awareness needs to be practiced. Sometimes, I have noticed, people want to proceed, but they tend to sabotage or talk themselves out of it. There lies a message in that as well. Ask yourself the same questions as above. Listen closely and you will find the answer.
What then can you do to move out of inaction?
Let’s have a look at inaction from a status quo standpoint. What will happen if you do nothing? Compared to what could result from your action.
Picture an area in your life where you have a hard time taking the action you should or need to. You might know you should apply for a new job, or maybe you need to start exercising. Perhaps you feel lonely or you work too much and have no time for anything else in life.
Ask yourself:
What will happen if I don’t act?
What will happen or what will be the outcome in one month, in half a year…
What could be the result of my inaction for three years?
What will the price be in terms of my health, relationships, and economics?
Then turn it around and ask yourself.
How will my life play out when I choose to take action?
What might happen?
Looking at inaction from these two perspectives gives us a much better understanding of the big picture. About the cost of inaction in life and what a huge impact it can have on our lives.
Furthermore, we will also understand what inaction can teach us about ourselves. Our thoughts, fears, and decisions in life.
If your inaction is caused by the feeling of being a victim of your life, you might also want to read this article.
“What would the cost of my inaction be in this situation?!”
Saved as a favorite, I like your site!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this article plus the rest of the site is really good.
Spot on with this write-up, I really feel this amazing site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read more, thanks for the advice!
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and amusing, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.
Looking forward to reading more. Great post.Much thanks again. Want more.
This is one awesome post. Really Great.
Major thanks for the article.Thanks Again. Want more.
Can I simply just say what a relief to discover somebody that genuinely understands what they are discussing on the internet. You definitely know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people really need to look at this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular since you certainly have the gift.
Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this site before but after looking at many of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m certainly happy I discovered it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.
Spot on with this write-up, I truly suppose this website needs rather more consideration. I’ll in all probability be again to learn way more, thanks for that info.
A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I do think that you should publish more on this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but generally folks don’t talk about these issues. To the next! All the best!!
Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Finding the time and actual effort to create a good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never seem to get anything done.
This is a topic which is close to my heart… Thank you! Where are your contact details though?
Your style is very unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this page.
Wow, amazing weblog format! How lengthy have you been running a blog for? you made running a blog glance easy. The overall glance of your site is great, let alone the content!
Howdy! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading through your posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects? Thanks for your time!
Can I just say what a comfort to uncover a person that genuinely knows what they are talking about on the internet. You actually understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people must read this and understand this side of the story. I can’t believe you’re not more popular because you surely have the gift.
There is definately a great deal to find out about this issue. I really like all of the points you made.
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post! It’s the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
I really like it when folks come together and share views. Great site, keep it up!
After looking over a number of the articles on your web site, I honestly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I book-marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future. Please check out my website as well and tell me what you think.
I uncovered your blog website on google and check a few of your early messages. Continue to keep up the great run. I just extra up your RSS feed to my MSN Information Reader. Seeking forward to learning more from you later!?
Area on with this write-up, I genuinely think this internet site requires far more consideration. I?ll most likely be once more to review far more, thanks for that information.
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I’m quite sure I will learn plenty of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful article. Many thanks for providing this info.
Hey, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, very good blog!
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I am quite sure I will learn plenty of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
Your style is really unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this web site.
Very nice blog post. I certainly appreciate this website. Thanks!
Hello there! This blog post could not be written much better! Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a very good read. I appreciate you for sharing!
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a co-worker who had been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact bought me dinner due to the fact that I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this issue here on your website.
I?m impressed, I have to say. Truly hardly ever do I come across a blog that?s both instructional and amusing, and let me tell you, you have struck the nail on the head. Your idea is superior; the concern is something that not nearly enough individuals are talking wisely around. I am very delighted that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.
Hello there! This blog post couldn’t be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I’ll send this information to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
The next time I check out a blog, I really hope that it does not dissatisfy me as long as this one. I indicate, I understand it was my selection to check out, however I in fact thought youd have something intriguing to state. All I hear is a number of yawping regarding something that you might fix if you werent too active searching for interest.
It?s hard to locate educated people on this topic, however you sound like you recognize what you?re discussing! Thanks
I just want to mention I’m all new to blogging and absolutely liked you’re web site. More than likely I’m likely to bookmark your site . You definitely have really good article content. With thanks for revealing your blog.
I simply want to say I am just beginner to blogging and actually savored your web site. Almost certainly I’m want to bookmark your blog post . You surely have amazing articles. Thanks a bunch for sharing with us your web-site.
I simply want to say I am all new to blogging and site-building and really liked you’re web-site. Almost certainly I’m likely to bookmark your website . You surely have perfect well written articles. Kudos for sharing your webpage.
I just want to say I am just very new to blogging and site-building and definitely liked your blog. More than likely I’m going to bookmark your site . You really have really good writings. Thanks a bunch for sharing your website.
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This article posted at this web site is in fact pleasant.
Like!! I blog frequently and I really thank you for your content. The article has truly peaked my interest.
Loved this post! Super helpful!