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Gwen imageDon’t you just hate it when things are going along smoothly, then almost as if out of no where, your life hits a snag? You’re stuck wondering what the heck is going on and how are you going to get through it all. You get frustrated, mad even. Your focus gets skewed, and the motivation you had to pursue your goals evaporates.

But as challenging as the obstacle seems, you cannot give up.

I have a post-it note on my desk that reads: Success is getting up one more time than being knocked down.

You may feel knocked down by the obstacles you face on your journey in the space of greatness, but you are not defeated.

You have two choices: Show up with the attitude that your challenges are temporary, stepping-stones and life lessons. Or you can let the challenges consume you and take you out of the game. How you show up in the face of those obstacles will decide the trajectory of your life and circumstances.

Obstacles can really stink, and their timing is even worse, right? I know. Been there. Done that. But here are five things I know about overcoming obstacles:

  • Worrying is counterproductive. It is simply a waste of time. I know because I used to be a chronic worrier. My worrying solved nothing! All it did was make me ill, constant headaches, exasperating the problem. So don’t worry. It will all work out. Trust me. Time is too valuable to spend it worrying.
  • Practicing gratitude keeps you grounded and focused on what really matters. When all hell breaks loose in your life, it can make you feel as though there is nothing positive happening in your life. When you are grateful for where you are and what you have, in the midst of your challenges, it will help shift your perspective and re-frame the problem so that you create solutions.
  • Exercising is essential. Don’t grumble at that statement if you are one who hates to exercise. Exercising is as simple as taking a walk to get some fresh air, to breathe. Stressful situations affect our bodies in many ways. Take care of you so you can navigate those challenges with a sound mind, body and spirit. Running is my exercise of choice. I adopted a running lifestyle when I felt my body responding negatively to some of the obstacles I was facing. I felt like I could not breathe from sun up to sun down. I had frequent headaches. My stomach turned constantly. You should not neglect your body EVER but especially during stressful times.
  • Withdrawing from the world is not an option. It is easy to withdraw from people when you are dealing with something stressful. You may feel that you just don’t have the energy to deal with anyone but yourself. But resist the urge to shut in. Be around people who love and care for you. Be okay with asking for help and support if you need it. When you withdraw, it keeps you stuck, focusing on your problems.
  • Simplify! Simplify! Simplify! Adding more commitments or obligations to your life, thinking that it will take the focus off of your challenges, will only increase your stress. You will always feel fatigued and under pressure. Press pause on some of the “extras” so you can assess the obstacle and explore possible options. Sometimes you have to step away so you can move forward.

If you take away at least one of the things I shared with you, I believe you will keep it moving no matter what you’re faced with!

Gwen Thibeaux, M.A., is a Life Empowerment Strategist and Trainer, and author of the book “Embracing the Greatness Within: A Journey of Purpose and Passion.” Affectionately called “the Greatness Accountability Coach,” Gwen is on a mission to help and empower women who want to do more, be more and live more in their space of greatness…with greater momentum.  Gwen can be reached at www.gwenthibeaux.com

5 things I know about overcoming obstacles

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April 11, 2015

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