Obstacles, by definition, are objects, actions or situations that cause obstruction. They are problems and challenges thrown at us in the way of achieving our goals.
Introduction
Obstacles, by definition, are objects, actions or situations that cause obstruction. They are problems and challenges thrown at us in the way of achieving our goals. Obstacles can be of various types such as physical, economic, financial and even mental, but all these different types of obstacles have one thing in common- they all are a source of anger, frustration and confusion. Life is filled with rejections, breakups, challenges and other roadblocks. Everything desirable in life is going to come with its set of obstacles and challenges. How we deal with them is going to decide our result.
Ways to overcome obstacles
A few life skills that help overcome obstacles and roadblocks.
STOP
Stop, take a step back, observe and proceed abbreviated as STOP is a skill derived from Dialectical behavioral therapy. Whenever we are faced with any sort of obstacle, the first reaction is panic, fear or even shame. These emotions can break our motivation and stop us from reaching our goals. Instead, we should observe and perceive the challenge in front of us and proceed with a plan in mind. This might raise the chances of overcoming our obstacles or at least reduce its impact on our result.
Change in Perception
Everyone has different defense mechanisms when faced with an obstacle. Usually, our fight or flight response is activated when we are faced with an obstacle or challenge. Instead of panicking and being threatened by a roadblock, we should change our perception, observe the nature of the challenge and create a plan accordingly. This will increase the chances of overcoming those obstacles and reaching the desired results.
Seeking resources
Sometimes we need financial, physical or even mental help to get rid of the obstacles in our path. There should be no shame in asking for help whenever needed as it will have a positive effect on us and may even provide a fresh perspective on our problems and show us a different way of solving them.
Acknowledging feelings
Trying to hide our feelings and masking them is only going to repress them long enough for us to have a burst of emotions and breakdown. There is no point in keeping our thoughts inside because it will only cause emotional and mental destruction. Challenges thrown at us are bound to generate an emotional reaction, but acknowledging those feelings and dealing with them positively and therapeutically will increase the probability of solving and overcoming obstacles.
Taking risks
The fear of failure stops us from taking risks that are essential for success in our endeavors. When we hold ourselves back because we are too scared to take a risk, we miss out on an opportunity altogether. Taking risks builds confidence and teaches new skills that are helpful in life. It shows creativity and develops emotional resilience.
Perseverance
Not giving up even when faced with challenges and obstacles shows grit and character. Not wavering when times get tough and sticking to our goal is essential in overcoming challenges and roadblocks. It also proves that we are adamant about achieving our goals and committed to getting through the obstacles that we are faced with.
Challenges to overcome in life
There are a few challenges in life that we need to overcome to become successful in the endeavors we take up. Overcoming these obstacles will also make us ready to face any curveballs that life throws and make us more self-confident.
Age is just a number
The mindset that we have to achieve some things by a certain age to be considered successful is harmful and taxing to mental health and self-confidence. It is truly never too late to start something and there is no age limit when it comes to being successful.
Fear
Fearing challenges and obstacles in our path will only break us down. Life is tough and filled with challenges, nothing comes easy. We are bound to face setbacks and obstacles in our path, but powering through them is the way to go. Failure is inevitable but it’s up to us to learn from those mistakes and keep going.
Negative self-talk
There is enough negativity in this world, but the worst type of negativity comes from within. Negative self-talk is going to cause irrevocable harm to our self-esteem, which then limits the ability to believe in ourselves. Being kind to ourselves and cutting down negative self-talk will increase productivity and boost morale.
What will people say?
Unfortunately, people are going to talk regardless of us winning or losing. If we let this affect our self-worth then moving forward will be incredibly difficult. We should not let people’s opinions on us be a cause of distraction or negativity because at the end of the day, it is hard work and determination that will take us to our goals.
Conclusion
Life is going to be filled with obstacles of every kind and it is impossible to avoid them. Some might be easy to get through while some may give us a hard time. Nothing desirable is going to come easy so it depends on us how we want to power through those obstacles and clear all the roadblocks to reach our goals. It is up to us to change our perception and treat these obstacles as stepping stones leading us to success. Making mistakes is normal and it is inevitable, the only way to move forward is to learn from those mistakes and let go of anger and frustration caused by them. Being kind and compassionate towards ourselves and practicing forgiveness will take us a long way and also give us the strength to cross all roadblocks in our path.
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