Obstacles are everywhere. We face them from the moment we open our eyes until the moment we close them at the end of the day. Some are so small we barely notice them. Others are so large they permanently change us.
The road to business success is fraught with obstacles. And, every person’s obstacles are unique to them. Some face obstacles related to their age, race, or sex. Others from their upbringing, education, or social status. But by far the most dangerous obstacles are the kind we can’t see – the ones that exist only in our mind from imaginary limits we place on ourselves.
To a great degree, the success people achieve in business is determined by how effectively they overcome obstacles.
Your Biggest Enemy
The Wright brothers are credited with the first controlled, manned, powered flight on December 17th, 1903. Although they failed hundreds of times before they succeeded, they never gave up on their dream. Had they done so, invention of the modern aircraft would have been attributed to someone else.
This example well demonstrates the power that exists in the human mind. At that time, no one had ever seen such a flight. It would have been easy for the brothers to conclude that their goal was unachievable. Today, we now know it wasn’t. For the Wright brothers, believing was the first step.
All too often though, our minds convince us that something is impossible long before we give it our best effort. It’s like we create a mental surrender that says, “I can’t do this. I’ll never make it. It’s not possible.” Those who let themselves think this way are sure to fail because they stop trying to succeed. How can you conquer such tendencies?
• Know Your Limits
There is a difference between obstacles and limits. Obstacles can be overcome, whereas limits cannot. For example, a blind person cannot drive a car. Real limits are few – obstacles are many. Knowing your limits will keep you from striving for the unachievable and ending up disappointed. Once you understand your limits, everything outside of them becomes a possibility.
• Ignore doubt
At 21, while interviewing for an $8.00 per hour position, I told the interviewer I expected to be earning 6 figures within 5 years and be semi-retired by 35. “That’s a little farfetched,” he said with a chuckle. It may have seemed farfetched to him, but where he saw obstacles I saw opportunity. I knew the obstacles were there. I simply chose to ignore them.
• Have a plan
A good plan is the secret weapon for combating mental obstacles. When you have a plan and are determined to stick to it, it doesn’t matter what you are feeling at a given time because you can simply ‘proceed as planned’. Conversely, if you are plagued with negative thoughts and a lack direction, it’s easy to become complacent.
• Visualize your goals
Once you’ve spent so much time thinking about a goal that you can see it, touch it, taste it, and smell it with your mind’s eye, you won’t easily give up on it. The desire to achieve it will give you the fortitude to overcome even the most daunting of obstacles.
• Embrace positivity
Stay away from people, places, and things that bring you down. Immerse yourself in as many upbuilding activities as possible. Choose positive reading material and positive friends. Listen to the prodding of fellow optimists and ignore the criticism of pessimists.
• Understand fear
Fear creates imaginary obstacles. Fear can prevent us from introducing ourselves to people (fear of rejection), starting profitable business ventures (fear of failure), and experiencing wonderful things (fear of the unknown). The key to overcoming such fears is to:
1. Recognize them in yourself
2. Identify their root
3. Make a plan to deal with them
The next time you are facing an obstacle, ask yourself if fear might be the only thing holding you back.
The Choice is Yours
Most people choose not to exert the energy it requires to overcome obstacles. For them, it’s easier to blame obstacles for their lack of personal accomplishment. On the other hand, there are those who forge desire, determination, and hard work into a sledgehammer that demolishes every obstacle in their path.
Which type of person are you?
I know I said I wouldn’t be posting for a while, but I figured I should take a minute to share an interesting study that was recently published by Price Waterhouse Coopers. It addresses how technology, the green revolution, and generation y is reshaping the workplace. With all the propaganda and hype out there, I found this to be refreshingly unbiased and informative. Enjoy!
