How to overcome challenges that want to hinder your progress

I have been listening to some excellent motivational speakers, like  Albert Mensah, Ben Hogan and Roger Crawford. They have all gone through some extraordinary challenges to succeed and get to where they are today so I felt to share their thoughts with some of my own thrown into the mix as well.

Real achievers are born out of the obstacles and challenges that they have had to face. They understood what they wanted, they were passionate and nothing was going to get in their way. Not lack of money, illness, death. Not kids moving away from home, losing their job or dealing with a handicap or even being told “it will never work”, our fears, lack of confidence or insecurity can haunt you but it doesn’t have to be so. Sheer will, determination, hard work and staying positive will triumph every time. Doctors can diagnose the physical problem but not your spirit. (I have seen this with my own daughter when at 17yrs of age was told by her specialist, after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and had Chronic Fatigue that she would never dance again and to think of another career path to pursue. She was physically forced to stop all form of dance for one year, but now at age 21yrs she has just completed a full time, two-year Dance Diploma at the Jason Coleman Ministry of Dance School in Melbourne.)

Martin Luther King Junior said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy...but it is only when we are presented with those challenges that we get to separate ourselves from other men and women”.

Roger Crawford says, “Being consistent in life is much more important than being a perfectionist to get you to your dream/ goal.” He had a physical challenge to deal with daily and he wanted to play tennis on a level playing field and not be discounted because of his disability. He succeeded and got into his College’s (University) Tennis Team.

Our mind chatter, all the negative thoughts, our attitudes which are our self imposed limitations are often more of the problem than any physical ones as we lose proper perspective.  If we could live with a sense of gratitude for the things we do have we would get a better perspective on the problems that are in front of us. We often create our own barriers and simply put, problems are simply opportunities waiting to be taken.

Focus is everything

Our lives are ultimately defined by what we choose to focus on, so focus in on what is possible, what you can do, and be ready for the unexpected obstacles. They are inevitable but defeat is optional, so be ready!  Most often when achievers overcome an obstacle and are asked would they have avoided those obstacles if they could go back and start again, they say no. They realise that it’s because of the obstacle that they discovered their greatest potential and drive and that character forged through difficulties made them who they are.

Obstacles are necessary for growth - no pain no gain. If you want to get better in an area of your life or improve at something then you have to push yourself, stretch yourself a little out of your comfort zone.

Rejection, failures, let downs. It all hurts for sure. But how quick will you get back up? We must work through the bad whatever that is to get to the good. Yes you can have a down day but by improving in this, what may have knocked you down for two weeks will eventually only knock you for two days then as you progress twenty minutes until you can just brush it off.  Remember, if you keep doing what you’ve always done then you’ll always get what you’ve always got...change is what’s going to help you to move forward and grow.

Don’t look at how hard the journey is, but keep your eyes on the reward of whatever it is you want to achieve. It will outweigh the pain of what you are currently going through.  Know what the reward is and why are you doing this, that’s where your drive will come from. Focus on your dream, your belief and your goals.

Don’t stay stuck—prioritise, or just pick something and start to do it

“The opportunities were there all the time they were simply cloaked by obstacles”

“Opportunities are choices. See them as that. Believe it, and act on it”. Let go of all the things that blind you from seeing it as such, your lack of confidence, negativity, prejudice and fears. It’s just a choice for you to see the obstacles as an opportunity to overcome.

“Life does not just suck for you that is a lie! “This too shall pass” and it does. Don’t blame your unhappiness or situation on others”. Your attitude is everything.

People spend too much time worrying about doors that close and it halts them. Worrying is a choice. Just stop and ask yourself what can I do? Get more research, take time off, nourish your body, or speak to someone. Surround yourself with inspiration and motivation. If you have not got a good friend or mentor for this then also the Internet, Youtube has many great motivational speakers. Realise also that a lot of our worries and fears never come to pass. Also examine your fears. Are they rational or irrational? Don’t hang on to fear because you don’t like change but want to stay in your comfort zone to stay safe.

Success happens from relentless pursuit

I trust you all got something out of this blog as I did and it doesn’t sound too harsh, let me know your thoughts.  Let’s remember that success happens from relentless pursuit.  If you can see the opportunities then you need to get up and trust yourself. Don’t give up in the face of adversity and anxiety. Your beliefs and dreams are important. Stay positive. Keep your thoughts and speech positive. YOU have the power to achieve whatever you put your mind to. Start Now!