4 Ways to Overcome Obstacles
Our focus for the month of October was overcoming obstacles. We were privileged to hear from a number of professionals, educators, and supporters on the topic.
Read what our own Renee Jackson-Smith had to say.
During our October Family Share, we had a great discussion on overcoming obstacles.
We defined obstacles as challenges or hurdles that we encounter, which often force us to make difficult choices or decisions. We went around the room and asked what were the personal obstacles that each of us face. Many of the students identified math as an obstacle. Others identified peer pressure, waking up on time and even procrastination.
As we began to share strategies for overcoming our everyday obstacles, I realized that the lessons not only applied to our students, but to those of us more seasoned in life as well. I thought some of the key strategies from our mentors would be great to share.
- Assess the situation by identifying gaps. With math, for example, we may have missed a day or a lesson that causes us to lack understanding of what we are currently doing. If we miss Part A, moving on to Part C may seem impossible. Recognizing that we have a gap and then filling that gap will help us get to where we're going quicker and with fewer frustrations.
- Determine the root cause of the obstacle. A lot of us have a hard time getting up on time. We press the snooze button up until the very last minute and then run around like crazy to make it out of the door on time. We often account this to not being a "morning person." In reality, the root cause of this obstacle is lack of sleep. Going to bed earlier could help most of us deal with this common challenge. Once we know the root cause, it becomes easier to develop a strategy to overcome the obstacle.
- Have the right mindset. A positive, can-do mindset is critical to overcoming obstacles and achieving success. If you don't see yourself working through your challenge or think that it is possible to achieve your desired outcome, it is not likely that you will. In the famous words of Henry Ford, "Those who think they can and those who think they can't are both right."
- Maintain Focus. Once you've decided on a strategy to overcome your obstacle, maintain your focus. It's easy to make goals, but not as easy to follow-through with our goals until the end. Make sure that your decisions and actions are in line with what you want to achieve. When you mess up, make sure to give yourself some slack. We all get off course from time to time. The important thing is that you get back on course and continue to make it happen.
Ultimately, we all want success. We may have different definitions of what success means for us. We may have different ways to achieve that success. But I believe success is only possible when you are willing to conquer that which threatens or pushes you beyond your comfort zone. When obstacles are conquered, we are stretched and strengthened to become who we were born to be.
What are some of the strategies you use to overcome obstacles?
This post was written by Renee Jackson-Smith. Renee serves on the Turner 12 Board of Directors. She is a Human Resources and Training Professional for the American Heart Association. You can connect with Renee on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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