Obstacles

"If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it."
     -Michael Jordan






Have a goal? Be prepared for setbacks and bad days. Identify any obstacles - internal and external that you will face. Whenever I work with a client on changing thinking and behaviors, I always have them write down what they know will come up to derail their progress.

How do you know what will be an obstacle? Look at whatever you use as an excuse for not following through – not enough time, not enough energy, etc. Identify the obstacle and plan for it. Remove the excuse! 

Maybe you know from experience that when you wait to exercise until after work you are too busy with making dinner, taking care of the kids, etc., so by the time you have a moment, you are too tired and ready for bed. If that’s the case then look at working out in the morning before work.

I know, I know, I hate the thought of getting up early too. Who wants to get up at 4 a.m. to workout? Not the lazy person inside of you with no goals or health ambitions. But what about the new you? The part of you that wants to see positive changes in health, both physical and mental. That person will make the sacrifice and will be rewarded with more energy.

Ok, so you decide you want to get up but keep hitting the snooze button. Move the alarm clock across the room so you have to get out of bed to turn it off. Have your clothes laid out with you shoes so you can’t use the excuse that it takes too long to get ready.

Still not convinced to work out in the morning? Then what about over the lunch hour? Just don’t forget to eat something healthy to fuel your workout and the rest of your day.

"I’ve always found that anything worth achieving will always have obstacles in the way and you’ve got to have that drive and determination to overcome those obstacles on route to whatever it is that you want to accomplish."
     -Chuck Norris

What are other strategies to overcoming obstacles?