So, you’ve set your goals for the year and are now heading on your way to achieving them. But wait…. you suddenly stumble across an obstacle that you never expected and are now thrown off course from success! Does this sound like you?
Whether you bump into a barrier that is small or large, out of your control or not, or something that you may have encountered before, it’s important to have a set of strategies ready to help you navigate through the barriers and to get back on course to achieving those goals you set for yourself.
Read on as we break down a number of strategies that we find useful for overcoming obstacles and how you can implement them to continue on your journey to success.
1 - Identify and acknowledge the obstacles
The first step is recognition. Pinpoint the barriers - whether they stem internally, like self-doubt or lack of motivation, or are external factors such as limited resources or scheduling issues. Acknowledging these barriers is fundamental to setting up a plan to overcome them.
2 - Dig down to the root cause
After you’ve narrowed down the exact obstacles that are causing you problems, it is then a good time to dig deeper to unearth the core reasons behind these barriers. Ask yourself why exactly these barriers exist? Did you make a miscalculation when creating your goal? If you’re low on motivation, could it be because you’re not finding the journey rewarding? Or perhaps you don’t feel confident that you can achieve your goal and so have resigned to not bother trying? By understanding the root cause of your barrier, it allows you to address the issue at its source.
3 - Recall your 'Why'
Reconnecting with the reasons behind your goals helps to remind yourself of the purpose driving you toward your goals. Try writing down your ‘why’ for each goal and keep it visible to you so that you can stay motivated and inspired to continue on your success journey if you encounter barriers that make you want to give up.
4 - Seek support and feedback
Don't hesitate to seek guidance; you don’t have to go on the journey all by yourself! Reach out to a mentor, a supportive peer, or even an online community of others who have similar goals. Ask for feedback on your progress, get the encouragement you might need to keep you going, and check in with your support regularly to see if others can offer you insights you might not have considered.
5 - Embrace resilience, but stay flexible
Resilience is crucial. While staying committed to your objectives, make sure that you’re also open to adapt. Obstacles may mean that you might have to adjust your approach. Being flexible allows for creative problem-solving and enables you to navigate around the barriers without losing sight of your ultimate goals.
Remember, the journey towards your goals isn't always smooth and linear. Embrace the obstacles as learning experiences that are integral to your growth and success. By acknowledging obstacles, understanding their root causes, staying connected to your 'why,' seeking support, and being resilient yet flexible, you pave the way for your 2024 success despite any challenges.
Do you need help setting yourself professional and personal goals and sticking to them? Drop us an email on info@openlensmedia.co.uk or fill in our self-referral form here on our website to find out what we can do for you Refer Yourself (Young Person) | openlensmedia