In Agile Software Development, we talk about impediments. Impediments are the things keeping the team from completing work items or slowing down the rate at which we work. It’s essential to remove these impediments to improve our workflow and deliver quality software features or enhancements. 

Same thing in our personal life. Impediments are basically the obstacles that get in the way of achieving our goals. On this episode, I’m joined by Chris Zapatier - aka Chris Zee - a friend from the stand up comedy circuit who’s also an educator and creative writer.  

Show notes: 

1. Some people see obstacles as a puzzle to solve or an opportunity to grow. Others see them as threats or roadblocks. How you view obstacles will affect how you handle them and in turn even the end goal. 
2. We confuse assumptions with facts and suggestions with constraints. Don't do that.
3. We think obstacles are showstoppers when in reality we can overcome them. 
4. Identify the problem - what’s really limiting you?  For example, if you say you're lacking time to get something done, track your daily activities and see if that’s true or if you’re spending time on things that are not a priority. 
5. Identify what caused the obstacle so you can avoid it next time. 
6. Identify potential work-arounds or contingency plans. Be prepared to pivot from the plan.  It may mean a change in outcome or timeline but that’s what being agile is all about, flexibility to account for the things that we can’t plan for or new learning that comes our way. 
7. Understand the consequences of the obstacle and maintain perspective, stepping back from heated emotions. Strive to see the situation in an objective and logical way and refocus your efforts on those work arounds, contingency plans and pivots that will keep you moving forward. 
   
   

Find Chris on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/chris.zee.9
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x66sgdc

Visit us at http://www.agileselfdevelopment.com!