It's called willful blindness or conscious avoidance.

It's employed when our circumstances are convicting, anxiety producing, or threatens us in some way.

We pretend not to know something.

Are any of these familiar?

• Tolerating an under-performing employee. If you're not having fun, you can be sure your employee isn't either. Don't delay the inevitable. Release them to flourish elsewhere.
• Not calling patients after the first adjustment. There are three likely patient responses. Your response begins with "I was expecting that and..."
• Superfluous chatter. Filling the air with your words is more for you than them. What are you hoping your speaking will prevent them from saying or asking?
• Looking at your bank balance. It's merely a symptom. You're the one giving it meaning.

Pretending not to know is like an emotional tumor. What you resist, persists. Rip off the bandage. The pain is short-lived and necessary to summon your creativity.

Bill Esteb has been a chiropractic patient and advocate since 1981. He is the creative director of Patient Media and the co-founder of Perfect Patients. He’s been a regular speaker at chiropractic gatherings since 1985. His 12 books explore the doctor/patient relationship from a patient's point of view. His chiropractic blog, coaching program, patient focus groups and consulting calls have helped hundreds of chiropractors around the world. Since 1999 Monday Morning Motivation has been emailed to over 10,000 subscribers each week.