Overcoming Obstacles

What stands in your way? What prevents you from achieving your goals?

The bigger your goal, the more likely that obstacles will spring up. Sometimes they are very real and very formidable. At other times they simply look formidable but amount to small walls that are easily overcome -- once the effort is made.

How do you overcome an obstacle?

The first step is to recognize it. Acknowledge it. Admit it. And then clearly define what exactly it is that is standing in your way.

Did you put it there? Is it something that you secretly want and so have done nothing to overcome? Did someone else put it there and was it intentional or not? What function does the obstacle play? Will anyone else miss that thing standing in your way if you get rid of it once and for all?

Will you need help? Will you stay with the effort even if working toward overcoming that obstacle brings about side effects?

The art of leadership is overcoming the obstacles to your plan without creating harm.

If your solution hurts someone, it's not a viable solution. If by getting rid of an obstacle you are pushing ethical boundaries or relationships, it's time to think that through some more. Solutions only last when they do no harm. Yes, that's a tough standard -- but what kind of leader do you want to be?

-- Douglas Brent Smith

Interested in learning more about overcoming obstacles, solving problems, and achieving your goals? Start the conversation here.

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High Performance Leadership

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