Denial

The greatest deflection in the human inventory is a tool called denial. Denial is the surest way to avoid responsibility or accountability. By deflecting reality and projecting the blame onto someone or something else, we deny our fault. Denial is a form of laziness that we embrace to shelter us from hard truths or facing facts that are difficult to accept. No one wants to look at themselves in a mirror and see their flaws on display. People benefit from not being able to see themselves, so they mask their own flaws through their deflections and enjoy the perceptions of others.

The most bitter medicine is often our own. When we judge ourselves we have to be critical, but denial dilutes the effectiveness of our assessment. It’s hard to come to terms with mistakes and external criticisms, because it can be humbling. There’s not many things more difficult than admitting when we have made mistakes. If we understand denial to be a tool that inhibits our facing our faults, we can see denial as a stop sign that stunts our growth as individuals. We will never be able to overcome our mistakes and errors if we hide them and deflect them. Taking responsibility for our actions and choices is what allows us to overcome those faults and make the necessary adjustments in becoming the best versions of ourselves.

Denial can also be a thing for good. Denial of our temptations and our vices is also something that allows us to grow and mature. Denial doesn’t have to be limited in our understanding as a way to dodge our responsibilities, it is the essential means by which we purge ourselves of bad influences and addictions. We deny the things that hold us back to keep us moving forward. Learn how to process your insecurities, vices, and temptations. By assessing yourself and holding yourself accountable, you’ll have an easier time coming to terms with your flaws and accepting who you are and how you can improve.