While life can present many challenges and obstacles in our life, our attitude plays a huge role towards overcoming them! The best way to overcome obstacles is to face them, not shy away from them!
Some of the hardest obstacles to face and overcome are those that we set for ourselves. Our minds find it easier and challenging enough (sometimes) to deal with obstacles or challenges that are posed by others, be they at work, or by families or friends.
The ones we pose for ourselves, we seldom recognize them. We do not realize that we are impeding our own path to success! Discussing some of them over here!
1. Self-doubt
We doubt our own abilities. Knowingly or unknowingly, we create a set of talents and abilities that we seem to perceive that we have or do not have, and box ourselves within those limitations. We do not dare to question our own self-evaluation of our abilities, be they to memorize stuff, learn new things, explore technology, learn to use social media etc. As we grow older, we create our boundaries and stop exploring or questioning ourselves or the status quo and trying a new way of learning. Periodically, identifying areas that we doubt our own abilities, and finding alternate ways to overcome them helps in the long run!
2. Comparison
We compare our lives to our friends at school or college (or even work), our cousins, our family members, team members, managers, leaders and it is a constant thread that runs in our minds. Are we as good as someone else? or can we get better?
Having a role model is a good thing, however constantly comparing ourselves to someone else and their abilities, downplaying our own uniqueness is not going to help in the long run. We become better versions of a multitude of others, losing our own originality that can make us shine. When the exam results are announce, appraisal ratings or performance bonuses are announced, it is natural to compare, but think about what makes you and your situation unique and how can you be a better version of yourself to support those around you, is a better alternate way to compare (if you must).
3. Fear & Anxiety
Fear stems from worrying about the consequences. Worrying about the outcome, while not being able to use that time to plan and work towards a better outcome.
Overcoming fear is a gradual process, where we can help reduce the anxiety and by planning for events better. Start with a To-do list for the day and try to get through the day completing all the items you have planned. Learn to plan for activities that hold greater importance in your life. A monthly calendar with events listed out, bits of activities spread over a month to prepare for an event, exam or competition always helps. 10 minutes of effort everyday, goes a long way towards accomplishing a significant long term goal.
If something goes bad, try to learn from your mistakes and write down what you would want to avoid next time around. Make it a learning moment, than worrying about the outcome.
4. Distraction
The number of times we step away while doing our job (studying or working), just by the ringing tone of our phone, social media messages, TV shows, movie releases, our favorite stars promotional messages, playlist songs, reflects how easily we allow our minds to get distracted.
Getting our minds to focus and concentrate on completing the activities we are currently working on, takes a lot of dedicated effort. Think about the number of unfinished projects that are just waiting for us to divert our attention towards them.
We create this obstacle by allowing ourselves to get carried away by other things, and down prioritize what we actually need to do. Creating a time box for our interests, and carving out time for our main work without distractions, helps build the discipline and retain our focus and concentration. A little bit of discipline and self-control goes a long way!
5. Procrastination
What we can do, let us do it now! Every activity takes time and when we do not plan for it, it becomes hard for us to do it at a later point of time. When we take up the work or activity, while we retain interest, either put together a plan, or carve time off your schedule on a periodic basis to get the activity completed. Putting it aside for another day, when we remember, will only increase our pile of unfinished work, and causing us delay in our larger projects, overall health and mental satisfaction.
Waking up late during weekends and stretching out our activities to laze around and take things slow are good… especially for the weekends. However, if that becomes a lifestyle, where we tend to procrastinate anything that does not hold our interest for long, it becomes detrimental down the line. Try to use a planner to keep aside time for fun and enjoyment, and time for work. Review the list of activities on your plate and filter down those that are needed and those that can be let go (meaning – not to procrastinate, but to drop them as you will no longer be able to do them). If these are important and you need to drop them from your list, ensure someone else picks them up (especially aspects like paying bills, consolidating expenses, filing T&E, doing groceries or laundry). While getting help in a timely manner is helpful, being able to recognize the need and seek help is essential.