If you know you can’t do that scary thing right now, do not turn to social media or video games. 

Tell yourself it’s okay to avoid it — as long as you’re doing the #2 thing on your to-do list.

Spreading your money among several categories of stocks is another way to minimize downside risk.

Slow growers are low-risk, low-gain because they’re not expected to do much and the stocks are usually priced accordingly. Stalwarts are low-risk, moderate gain.

 Asset plays are low-risk...

If you can’t hold yourself accountable, it’s a good idea to bring in an outside influence.

An accountability partner forces you to acknowledge the ways you’re sabotaging yourself, take personal responsibility and complete that to-do list.