Psychology says the discomfort of doing something hard is measured in minutes and the discomfort of avoiding it is measured in years — but the brain weighs pain by how close it is, not how big it is, so almost everyone chooses the years

Psychology says the discomfort of doing something hard is measured in minutes and the discomfort of avoiding it is measured in years — but the brain weighs pain by how close it is, not how big it is, so almost everyone chooses the years

Doing hard things can feel unpleasant. Making the phone call means feeling awkward right now. Starting the project means sitting in confusion right now. Going to the doctor means facing whatever they might tell you right now. And right now is the only part of this that seems to matter. You know the thing gets worse the longer you wait. You’ve known that for a while. But knowing hasn’t been the problem, has it? The problem is that every time you …