How to Turn Obstacles into the Launchpad for Your Success

Obstacles are often the path to great success and achievement.?

Do you dread dealing with any type of obstacle? Most of us do. We want life to be easy, but it seems that obstacles continuously thwart our efforts and limit the quality of our lives. The good news is that obstacles don’t have to be the vile thing you think they are.

Obstacles can actually be a blessing!?The obstacle isn’t really a roadblock. It’s an opportunity.

One of the top characteristic found in all successful people is the ability to persevere and overcome obstacles. Those that struggle with life invariably give up far too quickly. Research by Walden University found that persistence is the third highest characteristic trait exhibited by highly successful people. They found that every successful person has experienced failure—multiple times, and in multiple ways. But what truly separates them from the rest isn’t that they fail less; it’s that they persist more. When faced with a setback—even a large one—those who succeed don’t let it stop them from continuing forward.

Overcoming obstacles requires three things:

ACCURATE PERCEPTION

Perception is how we view and comprehend the events occurring around us. It also consists of the interpretation of what those events mean. Your perception can be a strength or a weakness. When you’re overly emotional and subjective, you create further challenges.

All of our thoughts are clouded by inaccurate perceptions of past experiences, false beliefs, and fear. Filtering out these mental obstacles requires skill. However, with practice, it’s possible to keep your emotions under control. With a clear mind, only the truth remains. When you see the truth, you’re starting from the perfect place.

Accuracy and delusional thinking are the opposite of each other. An accurate assessment of the situation and the ability to see the possibilities are the key.

The legendary Bob Marley in one of his songs said, “Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts; put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!”

How to maintain accurate perception:

• Maintain Your Composure
• Maintain Objectivity
• Control What You Can?

INTELLIGENT ACTION

Most of us take action. However, do we choose the wisest action for the situation? Intelligent action can only result from accurate perception. It’s only through taking consistent, intelligent actions that obstacles are dismantled. Intelligent action often requires courage, because the most effective actions are rarely the easiest.

The late Theodore Roosevelt said that we either wear out or rust out. Getting busy is important. You can’t think an obstacle away. You have to start somewhere, so get started. Often, the best solutions won’t present themselves until you make a few efforts.

How do you make progress with intelligent action:

• Get Started
• It’s Effective and Creating Results
• By Focusing Your Resources Intelligently
• Expect Failure

DETERMINATION AND PERSEVERANCE

The ability to persevere is admired in all societies. Perseverance is necessary to overcome obstacles. Some obstacles require a tremendous amount of time and effort to conquer. Without perseverance, you won’t last long enough to taste success. If you have a habit of giving up too quickly, it will benefit you to increase your willpower and discipline.

This quote by Thomas Carlyle shows us how those who persist and persevere are separated from those who give up easily. “Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.”

How do we build our muscles of determination and perseverance:

• By Building Your Willpower
• Recognize Your Mortality
• Accept Everything

CONCLUSION

Obstacles are a common part of life. The most successful people are able to overcome bigger obstacles than those that struggle with life. Obstacles can be viewed as stepping stones to greater levels of success.

Obstacles are also the best learning opportunities. Obstacles stretch our ability to contain our emotions, build focus and acceptance, and develop new skills.

Michael J. Fox said, “Acceptance doesn't mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there's got to be a way through it.”

Without obstacles, life would become stale and boring. Instead of avoiding obstacles, embrace them. Any obstacle can become the path to your success.

PS: Join me on?Thursday, July 13th, 2023 at 7:30am CST?for our weekly LinkedIn Live Audio room as we talk about LIFE VALUES: YOUR PERSONAL COMPASS.?RSVP here!