Convergence of deterrents (say that five times fast!) may be the opposite of "values aligned defenses," another made up term that is the subject of a previous post.

Values aligned defenses make it easier to do things that aren't good for us.
Convergence of deterrents, on the other hand, involves an accumulation of challenges that make desirable change exponentially more difficult.

For example, if you were feeling anxious about starting a band, your anxiety could be exacerbated by the challenge of learning to play an instrument, the cost of purchasing equipment, the vulnerability of meeting new people, the potential for creative differences with band mates, performance anxiety, possible rejection, and a significant commitment of free time.

If, instead, someone wanted to drink less alcohol to improve their quality of sleep, missing the simple enjoyment of a cocktail could be compounded by feeling left out in social situations, judgment from people who assume your reasons for abstinence, loss of an accessible (though temporary) strategy for reducing anxiety or distracting from stress, and, for home brewers and mixologists, the loss of a rewarding hobby.

It is often easy to judge ourselves or others when we have trouble starting something new or stopping some old, ingrained habit. Considering a possible convergence of deterrents can confirm that old truism, "some things are easier said than done."

There are two take home messages here:

First, sometimes it's easiest to leap before you look. You may have to try something out before you can know which of many potential challenges aren't that challenging at all, and which need special attention.

Second is some parting wisdom from many of my psychotherapy sessions, which also happens to evoke the estimable Jerry Springer, "Be kind to yourselves, and each other."