What happens when you hit a roadblock…what do you do? Below, I’ll talk about what keeps us from moving forward – and how to navigate to higher levels.
Be Honest With Yourself
One of the strategies I often recommend to help you achieve your goals is decluttering. This is a great first step you can take to create the space necessary to actually organize your goals, prioritize your life, and move forward with your vision.
Now it’s time to go deeper…Are you de-cluttering just because you think you should? If so, you’re more likely to give up because you’re not associating the practice with a tangible goal you have. Instead of going through the motions of this or any exercise simply because you think it might be effective, figure out why you’re doing it – try to tie it in with a goal you have.
For instance, if your friend finally convinces you to try yoga, ask yourself why you really want to do it. Will it help you reduce your stress levels and ultimately contribute to greater wellbeing? Is greater flexibility or a toned body a fitness goal you have?
Don’t do anything because someone thinks you should – or because you believe someone thinks you should – do it for you. You’re far more likely to succeed at achieving your goals when you know why you’re doing it – and that “why” has real meaning for you.
When the unexpected happens
You’re moving right along, making great progress towards achieving your goal, when out of nowhere, the unexpected happens. Sound familiar? Most everyone is faced with this scenario, because change is perhaps the one constant in our world.
Things change; life happens. We can plan all we want, but sometimes, life throws us a curveball. It’s how we deal with it that counts. If you’ve been caught off guard, take a time out to become “present” again. This will allow you to give your full attention to the situation so that you can consider possible solutions.
In a Forbes article, author Paolina Milana recalls the sudden death of her sister and how she dealt with grief at the office. She says that death, especially when it’s unexpected, “has a way of wiping away the filters we’ve put on our lives and giving us a fresh perspective about where we are and where we may be headed.”
Gain a Fresh Perspective
No matter who you are or where you’re at in your journey, you will face unexpected events that put a temporary stop on your plans. Some will be minor – a conflict at work, a squabble with your kids, trouble with your car.
Others will rock your world and leave you questioning the meaning and purpose behind life – the sudden death of a loved one, as Milana experienced, a serious illness, and a tragic accident.
Instead of letting resentment, anger, or hate build up and take over, see the experience as an opportunity for learning and growth. Accept whatever it is that you’re feeling in the moment, but understand that like everything, it’s only temporary and will change.
Have an honest, supportive conversation with your mentor or even a trusted friend or colleague. Talk about your feelings and be open to a fresh perspective. The new perspective you gain might be better than you could have ever imagined, and what you once saw as a roadblock might prove to be one of the most transformative experiences you have.