Which strategy can help with tasks that might be avoided due to difficulty?

Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps is an effective strategy for helping individuals tackle challenging tasks. This approach reduces the overwhelming nature of a difficult task by dividing it into achievable segments, which can build confidence and motivation. Each small step can be seen as a success, reinforcing positive behavior and increasing the likelihood of engagement with the task.

By making a task more approachable, individuals are less likely to feel anxiety or frustration that can lead to avoidance. Additionally, as they complete each step, they can receive positive reinforcement, further encouraging continuation to the next step. This method supports learning and behavior change by allowing individuals to experience success and gradually increase their skills and competencies.

In contrast, identifying less preferred activities alone does not actively address the avoidance behavior, harsh consequences can create a negative learning environment, and ignoring the task until completion can lead to a backlog of responsibilities and increased anxiety. Each of these alternatives lacks the supportive framework that breaking tasks into smaller parts offers.