10 Nov Fantasy

Sometimes we can use fantasy to distract ourselves from being present in  life. Fantasy is defined by an imagined event or sequence of mental images, such as a daydream, usually fulfilling a wish or psychological need. We can use fantasy to escape or to avoid problems or issues.

How does fantasy negatively effect motivation? Fantasy can keep you from focusing on problem-solving or making a plan to make something happen in your life. I know if I’m escaping in fantasy it’s usually because I’m not attending to some part of myself. It’s a way to escape something I’m feeling. Sometimes I don’t even realize I’m in a fantasy. It can sometimes take over you completely.

So how do you reduce the tendency to fantasize? I think it’s important to first recognize your escaping. Take an inventory of your life and see where you might be depriving yourself or not attending to a matter in your life. Use a coping skill to help you stay in the moment, for example, a breathing technique. You can practice mindfulness or meditation. Take breaks and journal. Reflect. Go on a hike. Get things into perspective. Talk to a friend. Then begin to identify priorities in your life you haven’t attended to. Identify one action you can take this week to address your goal. Everytime you see yourself escaping into fantasy again. Just notice and start the steps over again. It’s important to attend to yourself. Make the time to write and reflect your experiences and changes. Nothing will change unless you do something different. Be willing to try something different, and hopefully you will see the change.