At some point in life, we all meet obstacles that seem insurmountable, but here’s the truth of it, it’s not what happens to you in life that matters as much as how you respond to it. I know that’s a bit blunt but if you know my story, which at this stage you probably do, you know that I get it and I am saying it with kindness. Our responses and our actions determine our happiness and success, not situations, people or events. Any happy successful person alive today is a testament to that.
Here are a few tips to help you approach obstacles differently.
Acknowledge a situation for what it is.
Don’t sugar coat, just aknowledge with honesty and kindness. Importantly, see an obstacle as a challenge to overcome not a concrete problem. There is always a solution with the right attitude, knowledge and support, all of which you can get with focus and a willingness to triumph.
Get out in nature to think
It is well known that being outdoors in nature improves brain function, but did you know that it can clear your thinking and improve your ability to think of solutions by up to 60%?! Every day, get out in nature and think about solutions. It will create a space for you to make productive positive decisions.
Revisit your Successes
Write down a list of all your successes in your life, no matter how tiny. Aim for at least 20 and keep going if you get to that number. You might find that you are quite capable of overcoming challenges and succeeding. Do not throw your successes on the floor, pick them up and celebrate them!
Step into another person’s shoes
If you find yourself facing a challenge, ask yourself what someone you admire would do in your situation. One of the fastest ways to get what you want in life is to find someone who has it and do what they have done. Look for people who have become successful despite bad circumstances.
Ask Better Questions
Since you have been reading your brain has already asked questions, whether you realised it or not. Things like, “What do I think of that?”, “Is that relevant to me?” ”Is she right?” etc. Our brain is a question-and-answer organ and does it on a constant basis.
When people meet obstacles they usually ask questions like, “Why was I so stupid?” “What’s wrong with me?” or “Why can’t I do this?” If you ask questions like that, your brain will find an answer and most likely one you won’t like! Instead, ask yourself questions like, “How can I make this work?” “Who or what can I draw upon to help me?” “If I was to approach this challenge as a confident, self-assured person, what would I do?” The questions you ask yourself shape your experience.
Identify your Resources
Make a list of every resource you have. This might include family, friends, people with specific skills or talents, financial resources, support services available in your community or online, portals for information, books, networks, emotional support resources – list everything you can think of.
Identify your Strengths
Make a list of every personal quality and characteristic, skill or ability you drew upon to succeed at something in the past. Having a list to hand is a good reminder of your capability if you find you have a challenge to overcome.
Write a New Story
We all tell ourselves stories about who we are, how people view us, how the world works and what people are like. More often than not, those stories are disempowering.
Many people without a good education have gone on to become experts. Many people who grew up in impoverished areas are now wealthy. Many people who were faced with a disability or illness live great lives. You can choose to believe the story that circumstance tells you, or you can write a new story that empowers you!
Become Aware of What You Already Have
List ten things you are grateful for in your life right now. Focus on abundance not lack. Do this every day and watch what happens. Gratitude and positive focus can change your life. It changed mine.
Build a Team around You
Nobody becomes a success on their own. The idea of being “self-made” is an illusion. Can you think of one person who has succeeded who didn’t seek out advice, a service or someone with more expertise than them? Every happy successful person builds a good team around them.. I am happy to be on yours!
You are not alone. Reach out.
To help you further, here is a little gift from me to you You can download my ebook for FREE at https://www.donnakennedy.com/#ebook
LIVE FULLY!
Donna