In one word, can you describe what is holding you back from moving forward with your dreams? Is it fear, money, family, confidence, experience, or something else? Most of us have something that stands in our way that we need to conquer before ever getting close to our dreams.
For me, at first glance, the one word is overcommitted. I am trying to take on too many different things, and that holds me back from moving forward with what really matters to me. The first step in overcoming any obstacle is to properly identify it. I asked you to describe your obstacle in one word because you need to be able to get right to the heart of the matter. That one big thing that is in your way may be causing other symptoms; all too often we go straight to trying to relieve the symptoms rather than eliminating the root cause.
The symptoms are easy to identify. They are the things that plague and torment us, but we really can’t get rid of the symptoms without addressing the cause. In order to fix the cause, you have to be willing to be honest with yourself, but you have to take it even further than that.
Accountability
Simply admitting the roadblock to yourself is not enough. You have to share it with those closest to you who you can trust to help you come up with a plan and stay on track. These are people that are willing to push you just a little harder than you would like to be pushed. But, that is really how obstacles get moved out of the way. It is not always an easy or pleasant experience.
Create a Plan
The problem that I see most people have is that they will get to the epiphany stage. They will have the “ah-ha” moment as they finally get to the bottom of what holds them back. They will be excited and motivated to change and plow through the obstacles in front of them. However, after a few days the excitement wears off and nothing ever really changes. The issue is that we all want instantaneous change. We want the power of that ah-ha moment to explode and propel us directly to a new life. Sadly, it does not work like that. Most obstacles have to be chiseled away, slowly. That is why you need a plan. You need to set small objectives that remind you that you’re on the right track.
Celebrate the little victories
When trying to make big changes that can take months, sometimes years, it is important that we learn to truly celebrate the little victories along the way. Every time you meet an objective, reward yourself, be proud, and keep in mind that each step brings you closer to the bigger goal.
