How to Overcome an Obstacle with 9 Great Tips

You never really know to 100% what you would do in a particular situation until it happens. For example, you aspire to become team lead, but due to restructuring in your organization this is no longer an option. How would you respond? In this post I cover 9 ways to overcome an obstacle when it arises.

1.) Realize We Ourselves are Our Biggest Obstacle

What do I mean by this? We usually can’t control what obstacles we end up facing as these often have their source in external factors. However, we can control how we decide to respond in a particular situation. If we respond optimally, we can emerge more resilient than before. However, it is also possible to fall into a negative downward spiral, get blocked and ultimately get stuck.

2.) Focus on What You Can Change to Overcome an Obstacle

Identify what you can and can’t control. Focus on changing what you can control.

3.) Consider Potential Obstacles Ahead of Time

Plan how to avoid or deal with potential obstacles that may arise in the future. When in a stressful situation it can be difficult to come up with a good solution. However, if you have already considered certain scenarios ahead of time, you will have an easier time responding effectively should a similar situation arise.

4.) Use Cognitive Reframing to Overcome an Obstacle

When appropriate reframe how you think about stressors to reduce your experience of negative emotions. For example, you feel angry because a client spoke to you assertively and it rubbed you the wrong way. However, you realize they normally communicate directly and are not trying to offend you. Although you prefer a different communication style, you decide not to take their statements personally.

5.) Find the Opportunity Hidden in Adversity

None of us like to experience setbacks. However, you can ask yourself: What can I gain from this situation? What have I learned? What has this situation shown me? What doors are now open that were not open before?

6.) Be Compassionate to Yourself to Overcome an Obstacle

For instance, you realize that you are criticizing yourself too much for making a mistake during a presentation. You decide to exercise self-compassion and adjust how you think about the mistake. This could have happened to anyone. Instead of something to get down on yourself about, you now see your mistake as a learning opportunity. As a result, you are energized to tackle the next presentation and are eager to implement what you’ve learned.

7.) Ask for Help – It’s Ok!

Don’t hold the belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness. This belief may cause you to rob yourself of much needed support in difficult times. Being able and knowing when to ask for help shows humility and strength. Everyone needs help at some time or another, so it is nothing to be ashamed of.

8.) Know When It’s Time to Change Your Goals and Redirect

Perseverance is generally a desirable attribute, but at times it could be more beneficial to reevaluate and redirect. For example, if your goal of building a successful business is causing extreme financial loss and having a negative impact on your family life, perhaps it is time to let go.

Is it worth it to achieve this goal at all costs? “Giving up” does not mean you are a failure and a worthless person. On the contrary, knowing when to stop is a sign of psychological maturity.

9.) Take Care of Yourself!

Get some rest! Take a break! If you feel overwhelmed or even on the verge of burning out, try to take some time off. Or adjust your schedule and reduce your commitments. If you keep pushing yourself, your body will eventually throw in the towel and force you to rest. You might get sick or suffer burn out. We’re not machines, and our body needs enough rest to rejuvenate. This is also crucial for our mental fitness. Taking a break can help you to refocus and gain the clarity needed to deal with the situation. Take care of yourself!

Feel free to use these tips on how to overcome an obstacle. If you would like some support in navigating through your next challenge, feel free to reach out here. Hope to hear from you soon.