Although they’re neutral terms, both inevitable and avoidable have negative connotations for many people.
When we label something as inevitable, it’s typically something we wish we could avoid.
When we call something avoidable, it’s usually something we’d rather not encounter. But depending on the context we use it in, it can often be a label applied as we look back rather than something we use to proactively navigate towards the future.
These words aren’t inherently pessimistic. With the right approach, success – the attainment of whatever you care about – can be as inevitable as disaster in another scenario.
Likewise, labelling troubles as avoidable gives us a sense of agency. It recognises our ability to spot the danger before it arrives and alter our course to prevent a collision.
They’re just words. But whether you label something as a forgone conclusion or a mere possibility makes a big difference to how you approach it.
For instance:
When we see something as inevitable, we recognise that it’s sure to come to pass. Given enough time, the path we’re on will get us there.
If our success was inevitable – rather than being something “avoidable”, which we could fail to achieve based on factors inside & outside our control – how would you behave? How would you view your circumstances? How would you react to the common, everyday obstacles that are part of any journey towards something you care about?
Likewise…
When we see something as avoidable, we know that it’s not guaranteed to come into being.
It’s possible that, even given enough time, resources, support, and favourable conditions in the wider environment, we may not get whatever we’re expecting. Something more is required. Luck. Commitment. Agreement from people that we can only influence, not control.
If our failure was avoidable – rather than being inevitable, how would we act? How would we view setbacks? What kind of attitude would we maintain?
It’s a small shift: nothing more than a single word. But for the impact it could have on your agency, your chances of success, and your experience of pursuing whatever you care about, it’s one worth making.