There’s a clear distinction between those who tackle life head-on and those who regularly dodge the tough stuff.

The difference? Well, it’s all about personality traits. Avoiding challenges isn’t just a habit. It’s often deeply rooted in a person’s character.

Those who shy away from the hard stuff typically share some common traits. And, as someone who’s interested in human behavior, I’ve narrowed down these characteristics to eight.

So, let’s delve into these eight traits of people who frequently dodge the hard stuff. Ready? Let’s go.

1) They’re experts at procrastination

Procrastination is a universal phenomenon, but it’s particularly prevalent among people who habitually dodge the hard stuff.

In fact, it’s a common trait among these folks. They’ve mastered the art of postponing tasks and decisions, especially those that are challenging or uncomfortable. This tendency often stems from a deep-seated fear of failure or rejection.

Here’s the thing, though. Procrastination isn’t just about laziness. It’s also linked to stress and anxiety. People who procrastinate often feel overwhelmed by the task at hand, so they choose to avoid it instead of tackling it head-on.

And while we all procrastinate from time to time, those who consistently dodge the tough stuff have turned it into a lifestyle. It’s part of their personality, a defining characteristic if you will.

So, if you notice someone who’s always putting things off till the last minute, know that it’s more than just bad time management. It could be a sign that they’re avoiding the hard stuff.

2) They have a knack for shifting blame

Now, here’s something I’ve noticed from my own personal experience. People who dodge the tough stuff are often adept at shifting blame.

Let me share a story. I once had a colleague who was brilliant at his job but had a habit of avoiding difficult tasks. When things got tough, he would deflect responsibility onto others.

For instance, we were once working together on a challenging project with a tight deadline. As the pressure mounted, he started attributing every hiccup and delay to external factors – the brief was unclear, the resources were lacking, the timeline was unrealistic, and so on.

He never once said, “I’m struggling with this,” or “I need help.” Instead, he found ways to pass the buck, to shift the focus away from his own reluctance to tackle the hard stuff.

So, in my experience, if you often see someone playing the blame game instead of owning up to their shortcomings or difficulties, it’s a good indicator that they’re not comfortable tackling challenging situations head-on.

3) They’re masters of avoidance

Avoidance is a key strategy for those who dodge the hard stuff. It’s not just about procrastinating or shifting blame; it’s about actively steering clear of anything that might be difficult or challenging.

Interestingly, according to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, individuals who exhibit high levels of avoidance behavior are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. The reason? Avoidance limits their ability to learn from experiences and hinders their personal growth.

So, if you notice someone constantly sidestepping issues, conversations, or tasks that seem challenging, it’s likely that they are trying to dodge the hard stuff. And this trait could potentially be having a significant impact on their mental health and well-being.

4) They’re prone to self-doubt

People who dodge the hard stuff often struggle with self-doubt. They’re typically unsure of their abilities and tend to underestimate their skills and talents.

This lack of self-confidence can lead them to avoid situations that might put their abilities to the test. They’d rather not try at all than try and fail. This fear of failure, fueled by self-doubt, often holds them back from facing tough situations head-on.

Therefore, if you notice someone constantly second-guessing themselves or avoiding opportunities where they might be challenged, it could be a sign that they’re one of those who prefer to dodge the hard stuff.

5) They are often sensitive to criticism

There’s a certain vulnerability that comes with facing the hard stuff. It exposes us to the possibility of criticism, and that’s a difficult pill to swallow for some.

People who habitually dodge the tough stuff tend to be highly sensitive to criticism. They often perceive it as a personal attack rather than constructive feedback. This sensitivity, intertwined with fear, can lead them to avoid challenging situations where their actions or decisions might be critiqued.

It’s important to understand that this trait isn’t about being weak or fragile. It’s about self-preservation and avoiding emotional discomfort.

So, if you notice someone who seems overly affected by criticism or avoids situations where they might be evaluated, it could be an indication that they prefer to sidestep the tough stuff. It’s a gentle reminder of the empathy we should carry when dealing with such individuals.

6) They struggle with decision-making

Decisions, big or small, can be daunting. They require us to evaluate options, risk making the wrong choice, and live with the consequences.

For me, this has always been a challenge. I’ve found myself standing in grocery aisles, agonizing over whether to choose the organic apples or the regular ones. It’s not about the apples, really. It’s the fear of making a wrong choice and having to bear the consequences, however trivial they might be.

People who dodge the hard stuff often share this struggle. They find it difficult to make decisions, especially when the stakes are high. The fear of making a wrong choice and its potential fallout leads them to avoid making a decision altogether.

So, if you come across someone who seems indecisive or reluctant to make decisions, it could very well be a sign that they’re in the habit of dodging the tougher aspects of life.

7) They prefer comfort over growth

Growth often requires stepping out of our comfort zones and confronting the hard stuff. For some people, however, the lure of comfort is too strong to resist.

People who dodge the hard stuff usually prioritize comfort over personal or professional growth. They prefer sticking to what’s familiar and easy, rather than venturing into the unknown and potentially challenging territory.

This preference for comfort can limit their opportunities for learning and development. They might miss out on valuable experiences that could help them grow, simply because they’re not comfortable with the potential difficulties involved.

So, if you see someone consistently choosing the easy route and avoiding situations that involve risk or challenge, they’re likely in the habit of dodging the hard stuff.

8) They fear failure

At the heart of dodging the hard stuff, often lies a profound fear of failure. This fear can be paralyzing, preventing individuals from taking risks, attempting new things, or confronting challenging situations.

Fear of failure is not just about the dread of not succeeding. It’s also about the potential embarrassment, the loss of self-esteem, and the perceived judgment from others.

This fear can be so overpowering that it drives people to stay in their comfort zones and dodge anything that seems hard or risky. It’s a survival mechanism, a way to protect oneself from potential harm or disappointment.

So, if there’s one thing you should know about people who dodge the hard stuff, it’s this – they’re not lazy or incapable. They’re often just scared of failing and what that failure might mean to them.

Final thought: It’s about empathy

Understanding human behavior is a complex puzzle, often rooted in the intricate wiring of our brains and the experiences that have shaped us.

One of the most insightful quotes from renowned psychologist Carl Rogers sums it up quite eloquently: “When I look at the world I’m pragmatic. When I look at people, I am humanistic.”

Those who habitually dodge the hard stuff are not inherently flawed or weak. They’re simply wired differently or have learned to cope with life in their own unique way. Their actions and reactions are often guided by deep-seated fears, anxieties, or insecurities.

Whether it’s fear of failure, discomfort with criticism or an overwhelming desire for comfort, it’s all part of their human experience. And as fellow humans, we can approach them with empathy and understanding.

So next time you encounter someone dodging the hard stuff, remember these traits. It might help you understand them better, respond more empathetically, and perhaps even help them navigate their challenges more effectively. Because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to make our way through this complex and beautiful journey called life.