In episode #191 we discuss obstacles. An obstacle is something that can always happen during the path towards what we want to achieve. The obstacle can be something as simple as getting into traffic on the way to work or forgetting to buy eggs when trying to make a recipe. The obstacle is present but what is it, how do we deal with it, how can we use this opportunity for us?

An obstacle can block your path, but how you look at that obstacle changes everything. If you forget the eggs for your recipe to bake a cake, your mind starts spinning thinking about how much of an idiot you are. You might think that you should have planned better. You might think that you are so forgetful. Yet the truth is, the eggs are missing and the most important thing is to get some eggs. Instead of creating a negative flow and cycling of thoughts, why not ask if there is another opportunity to get eggs? By opening the mind to focusing on the task at hand and not cycling into the past or judgemental thinking, we can create new opportunities to be effective now. Maybe there is a store nearby we can run to? Maybe a neighbor would let me borrow a couple of eggs and we can give them a carton later? By opening up the mind to the possibility of still succeeding we can create new doorways towards success. 

When an obstacle comes, it is an opportunity to stretch our minds to different possibilities. Humans are gifted with the ability to project and consider different scenarios. This projection, paired with a desire to complete or at least perform a task well, allows one to focus on scenarios to work through an obstacle. If you consider obstacles in this way, any problem in life becomes a creative challenge rather than a problem itself. By using issues that come up in this way, we can alter our attitude into one where not only can we solve problems, but we welcome the challenge. Imagine if an issue or conflict arose and you welcomed it and said you were ready for the opportunity to grow? Of course, it is not always easy to think this way, but with time and practice, you might see that challenges are a gift. 

An obstacle is a message board asking how bad you actually want something. When we set out to achieve a task, an obstacle shows us how badly we truly want it. If you said you were going to go to the gym every day, but you were starting to feel cold and tired and used that as a reason not to show up, it looks like your goal wasn't that important to you. If the goal was important, you would have stayed consistent with your goal. If you truly want to achieve what you set out on, you create possibilities to overcome, circumnavigate, and work through the challenge. If you truly want something, you find a way. By understanding obstacles on a journey are part of the process, you can learn and see if this goal is truly what you want. If you want it, grab it, and move with full force. 

It has been said "the obstacle is the way," meaning through obstacles we build our strong characters. By looking at an obstacle in a path as a way for growth, learning, and the start of an epic tale, we can shift our mindset around obstacles. Creating a positive mindset around obstacles is a surefire way to elevate happiness in life. If we can welcome challenges and grow through those experiences we can easily accept and enjoy the positive experiences and create our fulfilled and happy lives.