THE OBSTACLE IS THE ANSWER

Happy winter!  well at least its official here in Idaho where we work up to 8"

Before going out to shovel our driveway, I was running on my treadmill, listening to my own recordings from The Victory Vault - its too good not to share

This is just one recording from the program and if you love it you can take the program at any time by going to www.yourvictoryvault.com 

 

Here are the notes to accompany the recording - read to the bottom for the homework :)

Obstacles: The Gateway to Progress

When you’re moving toward a goal, you’re creating a new path. That path isn’t clear yet. It’s going to have obstacles—some you can already see, others will appear as you go. These obstacles aren’t just inconveniences; they are essential parts of the journey, forcing growth and offering opportunities to refine your strategy and mindset.

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How We Handle Obstacles

When we encounter an obstacle, we typically react in one of three ways:

1. Turn Around: We retreat, going back to familiar but unproductive habits. This leads to the same goal appearing on our list year after year.

2. Sit Next to It: We complain, blame, or wait for the obstacle to move itself. Meanwhile, the obstacle grows, often accumulating more challenges alongside it.

3. Go Through It: We tackle the obstacle, learning and growing in the process. This is where real progress happens.

Obstacles won’t go away by themselves. If ignored, they only grow more intimidating. Facing them directly is the only way forward.

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Obstacles are Opportunities

Every obstacle you encounter contains a lesson or an opportunity. Think back to a time when you overcame a significant challenge, whether it was personal, financial, or professional.

• How did life improve once you got past it?

• How did it change you?

The truth is, life often becomes better after we navigate obstacles. As Benjamin Franklin said, “The things which hurt, instruct.” Obstacles teach us resilience, adaptability, and creativity.

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The Power of Perception

How you view an obstacle determines its impact. The obstacle itself isn’t the problem—your perception of it is.

• Perceptions can distort reality, making problems seem bigger or more overwhelming than they are.

• Objectivity is the solution. Remove yourself from the equation. Imagine the obstacle is happening to someone else. How would you advise them?

This shift in perspective can make the obstacle seem smaller, less intimidating, and easier to address.

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Obstacles Illuminate Solutions

Here’s a key insight: The obstacle is often the answer.

• A health obstacle reveals areas of your life that need change.

• A financial obstacle highlights spending habits or earning potential that needs adjustment.

• A plateau in progress shows you where your strategy might need tweaking.

Obstacles don’t just block the path—they help you refine it.

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Small Actions, Big Results

Overcoming obstacles isn’t about massive, exhausting effort. It’s about consistent, intentional actions:

1. Be Present: Focus on the moment. Ask yourself, “What’s the best thing I can do right now?”

2. Take Small Steps: Finagle your way through the obstacle bit by bit. Small, steady actions are more effective than dramatic, unsustainable efforts.

3. Celebrate Progress: At the end of each day, write down five things you did right. This keeps you focused, forward-leaning, and motivated.

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The Myth of Starting at a Disadvantage

It’s easy to feel like you’re starting from a deficit—whether it’s being overweight, in debt, or behind on a project. But remember, everyone starts somewhere. Even some of the most successful companies (Disney, FedEx, Microsoft) were founded during economic crises. They succeeded because their founders focused on what they could do right now, rather than being paralyzed by the bigger picture.

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Your Task: Rethink Obstacles

1. Identify Your Obstacles: Write them down. What’s standing in your way?

2. Reframe Them: Ask yourself, “What lesson or opportunity is this obstacle offering me?”

3. Create a Plan: Break the obstacle into smaller steps. What’s one thing you can do today to start moving through it?

4. Shift Your Perspective: Pretend the obstacle is happening to someone else. What advice would you give them?

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Final Thought

Obstacles aren’t roadblocks—they’re stepping stones. They illuminate your path, highlight areas for growth, and force you to become stronger and more resourceful. The obstacle isn’t your enemy; it’s your ally in disguise.

So don’t run away. Don’t sit and complain. Face the obstacle, break it down, and move through it. With each step, you’ll discover that the path forward is clearer—and that you’re more capable than you ever realized.

 

www.yourvictoryvault.com