When things get in our way
When we are on a path to achieving, creating success, personally or professionally conquering goals we all come up against obstacles from time to time. Sometimes it feels like all we are doing is battling obstacles. For example, you feel like life is all smooth sailing, everything is going really well for you and then out of nowhere something happens, completely outside of your control, that blindsides you and throws your plans into disarray. When this happens we are all vulnerable to the effects of obstacles. They stop some of us dead in our tracks, whilst others can figure out a way around them.
Obstacles stopping us in our tracks can be a good thing. They allow us to take a step back and to reassess. “Do I still want this? What do I need to do now? Am I the obstacle?” Asking yourself these questions can help you make a plan to move around or over whatever is in your way. Learning how to keep your mindset on track can help you deal with obstacles they crop up. It’s important to view them not as something that is there to stop you but as a challenge that can be overcome.
It’s also important to remember that our thoughts, beliefs, behaviours, patterns, and actions can all create obstacles for us. If we are someone who has not yet harnessed the power of our minds and learned how to keep limiting beliefs in check we are more than likely creating obstacles for ourselves. If you tell yourself over and over again that you can’t do something, you won’t do it. Your thoughts/beliefs in this scenario are your obstacle. If we think we can’t do something we then behave in a way that leads other people to believe we can’t do something. For others to have faith in us we have to have faith in ourselves first.
And sometimes obstacles come at the right time to allow us to question whether what we are striving for is really what we truly want. Sometimes obstacle after obstacle can make us feel this way. A little tip if you are questioning whether something is for you or not, or if the goal you are chasing is what you really want to chase: step back from it. Give yourself some space to reassess. This might take a week, a month but it’s important to give yourself time. Ask yourself - do I still have a burning desire to achieve this? Do I have the energy or the will to keep going? If you do then you will find a way. Create a new action plan and get going.
When you set goals and map out your plans, it’s important to explore potential roadblocks or obstacles that you think you might face in pursuit of your goals. If you do this at the planning stage, when the obstacles then crop up it's less likely you will be thrown off track or caught off guard. You’ll already have a plan to deal with them. But remember, we can’t always predict the future and we never know what's coming down the track. Make a plan, be consistent and persist, build resilience and obstacles won’t always be the problem we think they are.
Check out my Mindset Shift programme if you think you are your own obstacle. If you’re struggling in any area of your life and think coaching might be a good fit for you click here for a free consultation call and we can explore if I can be of assistance to you.