Having a dream, a goal, is the first step to success; however, simply knowing that dream or goal isn’t enough. Successful people prepare to achieve their dream. They make contingency plans to deal with obstacles that stand between them and their dreams.

You can achieve your goals by overcoming the obstacles that might pop up along your journey.

Types of obstacles

There are three distinct types of obstacles that you need to prepare for when you are working on a goal. Understanding these three types can help you be ready to work through them. The three types include:

• Social obstacles – family, friends, naysayers
• Personal obstacles – thoughts, negative attitudes, incorrect actions
• Environmental obstacles – things that aren’t in your control

Friends and family members

You might turn to your friends and family members for support when you have a goal in mind. When they don’t support your vision, you might deal with social obstacles.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What if they downplay your goal and you don’t get the support you need?
• How will you overcome their negativity?
• Can you make them see your vision in a different way?
• How can you use their negativity to fuel your success?

You have to become your own biggest supporter. You have to make up your mind that you can succeed no matter what the naysayers say. Even if you stand alone, be prepared to stand strong.

Your own thoughts, attitudes, and actions

Doubt and worries might become an obstacle for you. The old saying “mind over matter” comes into the picture here. You have to take control of your mind because even a sliver of self-sabotage can make a small goal seem unattainable. We talked about this in an earlier post, How Can I Learn to Find the Positives in the Negative Situations.

Some of the self-sabotaging thoughts you have to control include:

• Procrastinating
• Doubting
• Overscheduling
• Perfectionism
• Complaining
• Making excuses
• Disorganization
• Overthinking

You might not even be aware, but other behaviors can stand in the way of your success. The good thing about each of these is that they can be modified if you take the time to address them with a clear head. These behaviors include:

• Lack of preparation
• Lack of knowledge
• Lack of inspiration
• Lack of discipline
• Lack of focus

Things you can’t control

Obstacles you can’t control are some of the most difficult to overcome because moving beyond these might not depend only on you. Things you can’t control, which are known as environmental obstacles, can often be tackled if you pre-plan. Contingency plans can help you to get past the events that make you think about Murphy’s Law.

Since creating contingency plans is one of the best ways to deal with environmental obstacles, you have to think about the obstacles and their solutions ahead of time. Here are some common environmental obstacles for you to consider followed by possible solutions:

• Funding or financial matters: Have more than one option ready
• Unexpected delays: Plan for slight delays or be willing to adjust your timeline
• Inability to access equipment or needs: Determine alternate methods for getting things done and needs met

Coping with obstacles

Now that you are aware of the possible obstacles you might face on your way to seeing your dream become a reality, you can take steps to prevent or overcome them. “You are your own worst enemy” is one saying that you can prove wrong when you overcome the obstacles that stand between you and your dreams.

Don’t Ever Give Up

We’ve said it before and we’re going to say it again. The difference between WINologists — those who strive and achieve excellence in all areas of their lives and those who remain stagnant — is WINologists never give up. They learn from setbacks and try again for as long as it takes.

Do you want to become a winner in EVERY aspect of your life? In WINology — World Class Performance, I give you concrete strategies and guide you through each phase it takes to WIN in life!

What obstacles are holding you back from achieving success in your life? Let us know in the comments section below!