What is the biggest obstacle… the one that stops you from achieving your goals? Many times it may seem that the answer to this question is quite direct and simple: I lack money, I do not have time, I do not know how, my family obligations do not allow it, this is not a good working time to generate that change, it is not a good idea in this economy. All of these can be legitimate obstacles. But they can also be deceptive excuses you make for yourself for not taking a step forward, taking risks, and getting out of your comfort zone.
I propose these 3 steps to start destroying your obstacles and regain control of your career:
- Step 1: What is this obstacle preventing? Having a clear idea of what this is doing to you can help you find the strength and motivation to step forward. What will your situation be like once you destroy this obstacle? Let's suppose that your objective is to become a manager of your own company and your obstacle is that you don't have money to start and invest in a business. How will you feel once you destroy this obstacle? What things will you enjoy? What will be the impact on your life and career once you launch this business? The answer to these questions will really become a motivator that will help you find how to destroy and leave this obstacle behind. Step 2: What is behind this obstacle? Sometimes there is something hidden and it is more complex than it appears.You think you stop because you don't have time or money (they are the most common obstacles) but in reality there is something else and it is important that you discover it: Are you afraid to step outside your comfort zone? Do you feel insecure and do not know if you will be able to carry out a major change in your career? Do you lack confidence in your skills? Do you think you can't do it? Discovering what lies behind this obstacle will help you unmask the truth of what is holding you back and you can get started to solve it. Step 3: What options do you have? The best way to solve and destroy an obstacle is to find the options you have, measure their impacts and make the decision to move forward with one of them. Do you lack money? It starts by stopping spending on things that are not essential,make a home budget and start small savings. Running out of time? Improve your time management by writing down all your activities at the beginning of the day and planning what tasks you will do each week. Spend an hour of your daily time on your new project (to train you, research what you can do, design future options) and learn to minimize interruptions that take away your concentration and make it difficult for you to focus.
So how are you going to take control of your situation and destroy this obstacle? Staying in your comfort zone, feeling like a helpless victim who has no control over what happens to you, will not help you get ahead. The only way to overcome this obstacle is to "take the bull by the horns" and do something about it. One step at a time, but with these three keys you can begin to destroy this that prevents you from moving forward.
You don't have to do it alone. Seek the help of a mentor who will take you by the hand and train you with their professional experience. You can also rely on a friend you trust who can give you their honest opinion or someone you know who has been through a similar situation.
So now you know, don't be fooled by these seemingly harmless and fleeting obstacles that can become strongly entrenched excuses that don't allow you to step forward and improve your professional situation.
