Obstacles can be anything or anyone that gets in the way of you reaching your goal. Realizing that there will likely be obstacles along the path to your goal makes it easier to plan for, overcome or avoid them.

Obstacles can come in two forms: roadblocks and real limitations. A roadblock is an obstacle which you have the power to control. Many roadblocks are very real and cannot be changed or removed - these are called limitations.

All opportunities lie in areas which you CAN change. It is important for you to decide whether the roadblock is a true limitation, something that you are unable to change, or not. Accepting any limitations requires you to be really honest with yourself and you may need to adjust your goal accordingly. Don't waste energy on things you can't change at the time.

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Roadblocks:

Before you can remove a roadblock, you have to recognize the problem. You are responsible for directing your own life and solving your own problems. Once you take responsibility for the roadblock, you will be able to think of ways to get around it. Often people give up for the wrong reasons, usually fear or anxiety. Everyone has anxieties. This is a normal part of setting goals and trying to reach them. It becomes very important to find a way to overcome the feelings you experience when you are anxious.

Identifying potential obstacles can help you plan ways to deal with them. You can list roadblocks in two categories: personal obstacles and external obstacles. Here are a few examples each:.

 

Personal Obstacles

• attitude
• fear/anxiety
• procrastination
• lack of time management
• low self-esteem, confidence
• not assertive
• difficulty communicating
• no positive vision
• lack of drive, ambition
• lack of education
• lack of experience
• lack of skills

External Obstacles

• economy
• lack of information
• people
• competition
• location of training/jobs
• lack of financial resources
• lack of supports
• family, friends, peers
• stereotyping

Ever Used Excuses?

Excuses are another form of roadblock. Have you ever said: "I can't do it because....?" Most people are very creative in thinking up reasons for not following through. The question is, how valid are your reasons?

Excuses make it easier to give up on a dream. By making excuses you give up responsibility for your goal and the problem is never solved.

Tips for Overcoming Obstacles