Last week, I listed some ways to overcome obstacles; this week, I’ll add some more ideas for you to consider as things get in the way of what you want or need.
7) Acknowledge and celebrate your successes. This is a fun one! No, you may not be at the finish line yet, but identify what you have accomplished so far. Tell a friend, for instance, or buy yourself a favorite treat. Rejoice in your progress. It helps keep you motivated for the rest of the journey.
8) Break down your goal into smaller, more manageable chunks. In writing my books, for example, it was easier to outline the entire book by chapters, them focus on the reading, research, and writing of them one by one.
9) Clarify your obstacles and options. Exactly what’s getting in your way? How does it impede you? List all of your options, even the ones that don’t seem realistic. Try brainstorming with someone else who supports you. Then you can choose the option(s) that you think will be most effective.
10) Set your priorities. Keep your eye on the goal. Be focused. Only say “yes” to those things that help you reach it; be willing to say “no” to those that will simply distract you. Be selfish for a while.
11) Resist the urge to quit! It can be tempting when the going gets hard, as I learned when writing my books. Quitting sometimes seemed so much simpler than plodding ahead. But…I would have been very disappointed in myself, just as you would be.
12) Choose a useful attitude. Yes, you are in charge of it., so decide to see obstacles as challenges, or stepping stones you must walk on toward your goal. Our greatest opportunities are always mixed with difficult struggles. Believe in yourself and what you want to accomplish.
You can do it!
Obviously, no list like this is complete. What are some things you have done that helped you reach your goal, despite the obstacles you faced along the way? Please share with us.
by Kathleen Vestal Logan, MS, MA November 25, 2016