Tip Two - Only tackle the things over which you have some level of control

Just to clarify my last article/tip that may have got lost in all the celebration, it was about working with others when faced with obstacles. The individual strands of a rope are a lot less strong when not woven together. Together they are very difficult to break. If you have any questions or comments on this concept, please reach out to me or add them in the comments.

On to my next tip for overcoming obstacles … only tackle the things over which you have some level of control and let go of the things you do not. Much of our time, especially when frustrated with challenges or obstacles, is spent in worry and concern over the things we cannot change. In doing so we miss opportunities to adjust the things we can do.

Perhaps the greatest among these is our attitudes. You are the only one totally in control of your emotions and attitude. Some people perceive obstacles as an opportunity to solve problems and grow, while others see them as threats or signs that success isn’t possible.?Your perception of barriers to meeting your goals has an impact on how you move forward with achieving them.

If you see obstacles as a sign of probable failure, you’ll feel overwhelmed with negative emotions when you face any type of challenge. Your negative attitude will weaken your motivation to work toward your goals.

This doesn’t mean that you always must have a positive attitude about everything. This just is not realistic and cannot be sustained. What it does mean is that you have ultimate control. Do not let others get inside your mind or thoughts. If you do, they win. Instead, take a step back, regain the right perspective about the obstacle, and establish a plan of action. Remaining calm and in control, no matter what the obstacle put before you, allows you to understand the situation, see what has occurred and why, and take back control.

One TRUTH I have found is that there is little we cannot overcome when we gather facts, look at all the evidence in the situation, and seek the help of experienced and trusted individuals. There is a method invited by and applied by Toyota and many others called the 5WHYS. It asks why at least five times to address problems or obstacles encountered. The secret of this method is in using the answer to the first why to formulate and ask the next why question. In doing so you drill down to the root problem and can devise a plan to overcome it. TRUTH is the foundation of a great attitude!

I hope that these tips, and the ones to come, will be useful in a world full of challenges and obstacles. If you do, please ‘like” this article and/or add your own tips for overcoming obstacles in the comment section below. Thank you for reading and for recommending this newsletter to your friends seeking TRUTH in the world today.