Your Infinite Potential: Obstacles
Obstacles are an inevitable part of life. Just when you think you have something all planned out the unexpected happens. There's a roadblock that prevents you from continuing your desired path. It might be a person, a situation or even your own limiting beliefs.
Sometimes we can go around the obstacle, sometimes we can remove it, or sometimes we need to create a different path that will still lead us to our goals.
We often think of obstacles as distractions but really, they are an essential part of our development. Whatever comes up in your life develops you. Every obstacle you face is really a chance…
· A chance to learn
· A chance to get creative
· A chance to grow
There is a Zen proverb that says, ‘Obstacles do not block the path, they are the path.’ So next time you are greeted by obstacles, try to view them as part of your development and growth. Accept them and work with them. This is your new path.
So, how can we learn and grow from our challenges instead of becoming trapped by them? How do we shape the change to help us move forward, instead of leaving us stuck?
My three P’s for dealing with obstacles
Perception
The way you view your obstacles may stop you from trying to keep working on your goals. You can look at an obstacle as a showstopper or you can view it as building your resilience and tapping into strength you never knew you had.
Therefore, take a step back and consider – is this an obstacle you can move or one you must go around and find a different way?
Can something be done to overcome the obstacle now or does it require expert help? Consider it objectively as though you were seeing it for the first time. Use logic and sound judgement to avoid becoming too emotional about it.
Ask yourself questions like, “What is good about this situation?” “How can I make this work?” The questions you ask yourself will shape your experience of the obstacle and what you do about it. Don't let a situation hold you back. Look to examine the situation and discover the underlying problems.
Perspective
The lens we view our world through is as individual as we are. What we see and believe to be true, is not “the” truth, it is “our” truth. Looking at the same issue through a different lens has a way of opening up new doors of possibilities that can actually help us see things from a fresh and hopeful perspective.
When artists paint, they take regular breaks. This allows them to return to their work with fresh eyes each time and approach the painting from a different perspective. You might adopt the same tactic with your obstacle and come back to it with renewed enthusiasm when the time is right.
Plan Again
Stay Focused and committed.
Now it’s time to re-plan. Take your obstacle into account. What can you do now, given the circumstances? What changes can you make? What do you need to learn? Who can you ask for help and what can you do differently?
Obstacles help enrich your mental experience in so far as building resilience, fortitude and strength. Every time you tackle a problem, you overcome a mental hurdle. Carol Dweck (growth mindset) states: “The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the Growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.”
“History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heart-breaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats.” — B. C. Forbes
Diane is Head of People Development at Newton Europe
This is the 19th in the Series: Your Infinite Potential:
- Your Infinite Potential: Living to the Max
- Your Infinite Potential: Prune for New Growth
- Your Infinite Potential: The Power of Morning Ritual
- Your Infinite Potential: Lies Outside Your Comfort Zone
- Your Infinite Potential: Making the Most of Your Time
- Your Infinite Potential: Are you Holding You Back?
- Your Infinite Potential: Through Helping Others
- Your Infinite Potential: Stay Curious
- Your Infinite Potential: Be Less Busy Being Busy
- Your Infinite Potential: Recharge Yourself
- Your Infinite Potential: Learn to Listen and Listen to Learn
- Your Infinite Potential: Getting Back on Track
- Your Infinite Potential: Baby Steps
- Your Infinite Potential: Uniquely You
- Your Infinite Potential: Walking Your Path
- Your Infinite Potential: Take a Break
- Your Infinite Potential: Fresh Start
- Your Infinite Potential: Doing One Thing at a Time
Activate your Emotional Intelligence to Elevate Performance, Transform Relationships and Cultivate Profitability
6 年Spot on I love it ??
?? Helping ambitious introverts take the next career step without changing who you are ?? Rise Programme | 1-to-1 Coaching | Introvert Coach | Leadership Coach | Career Coach
6 年Great article, thanks. I'm making use of the 3 P's right now!
Product - Monzo
6 年Very insightful article Diane! Reframing our mind with these questions when faced with an obstacle can influence how we will reach our goal, sometimes not the way we initially thought we would, but a path we wouldn't have followed if we weren't challenged.
?? Multi award winning Brand & Marketing Strategist ?? Marketing Consultant ?? Coach for Women In Business ?? Speaker ?? Trainer ?? Author ?? Fellow at The RSA
6 年“Obstacles do not block the path, they are the path.” This article is a great reminder on the importance of how we look at things and situations. Great tips. Thank you Diane