One of the important aspects of achieving our goals is often overlooked. That aspect is…. the obstacles in our way. What role do obstacles play in our journey to achieve our goals?
Obstacles, when looked at correctly, can often help us reach our goals. “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us.” (Romans 5:3-5, NIV). I think you would agree that having hope definitely helps us achieve those goals. And what produces hope? Character! “The noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.” (Isaiah 32:8, NIV). Noble means of outstanding character. And what produces character? Perseverance. Perseverance is the ability to continue on after the excitement is over. Perseverance is being committed no matter what. And what produces perseverance? Suffering. Suffering is what the obstacles in your way often cause.
Now you have to ask yourself this question… “What am I going to do about it? Am I going to let this obstacle kill my chances of achieving this goal or will it produce in me perseverance, character, and hope?” The latter choice will “not disappoint us” while the former choice will cause us some level of disappointment for the rest of our lives.
BIRDS AND AIR
Have you ever stopped to think that air is the only obstacle that a bird in flight typically faces? Yet without the air, the bird falls to the ground instantly? Often times it is the same way with our obstacles. So, do not bad-mouth your obstacles too quickly. They just might be the only thing keeping you going.
Keep in mind you do not want to focus too heavily on your obstacles. John Maxwell says, “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals.” Do not let your obstacles take your eyes off your goals. Instead, see them for what they are: stepping stones toward your goals. Think about it, it is much easier to climb a rough mountain than it is a smooth one because the roughness provides the footholds. That is what obstacles provide on your journey toward your goals.
We must identify those obstacles that are keeping us from reaching our goals. We must identify at least one action step for each obstacle. When we put those action steps into place we are on our way to achieving our goals. Need some help?
I bring to the table a set of professional skills to help you identify what you really want in life, design action plans to reach those goals and get those things accomplished.
I offer one FREE 45-55 minute coaching session, done over the phone at a time that is convenient for you. In this short call, we will work together to:
- discover a path you want to take and
- if I’m the best choice to help you navigate that path.
Register for your free session. It may be the best step you’ve ever taken towards making your life something better than you ever dreamed.
Tommy Lanham is an award-winning speaker, personality strategist, and world-changer. He was a regional finalist for the Toastmasters International Speech Contest in 2019, making him one of the top 100 speakers in the world! Tommy Lanham is the epitome of enthusiasm. It oozes out of him. He’s obsessed.
At 12, he was a sixth-grade flunky. At 22, he was kicked out of college because of a .8 GPA. (You read that right – a .8 GPA.) After 6 years, he completed his undergrad degree with an unimpressive 2.3 GPA.
Then something happened. Tommy discovered the power of goal-setting, personality strategy, and an enthusiasm mindset.
Tommy calls these, “The 8 Decisions.” He has developed these key decisions over 25 years of successfully coaching, training, and motivating people to reach their God-given potential.
Tommy is on a mission to break out of the monotony of the mundane and mediocre so you can break through to your ENTHUSIASM Zone.
