Discouraged? Don't let Obstacles Stop You from Getting Ahead

 

"It's the possibility of having a dream come true

 that makes life interesting"

Paulo Coelho

A Fresh Perspective

Sometimes in the overwhelming challenge of trying to get ahead in life and coming face-to-face with underlying societal biases seeming to work against you, you can be left feeling discouraged, hopeless and isolated. Looking through the lens of rejection and defeat, life can begin to feel flat and meaningless.

The key to pulling out of a discouraged state is to change the filter you look through to gain a fresh perspective. Or as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams."

Go Ahead--Dream the Impossible Dream

When you're dispirited it may feel like an impossible task to change your perspective. You don't exactly feel perky and positive. You begin to question if you're on the right path, or if you have what it takes to overcome the barriers. 

Yet, changing your focus from fixating on the seemingly insurmountable obstacles you face to putting the focus back on creating a life based on your dreams and aspirations is the only way out. 

People have successfully overcome hidden barriers for centuries.  You have everything it takes within you to follow in the footsteps of other ordinary everyday people who succeeded by keeping their attention on their interests and desires instead of letting their dreams be derailed by others.

I Know it Hurts--Just Push into the Pain

When I was in labor with my first child I failed to dilate fully so my doctor manually stretched me during the contractions. This was the most painful and seemingly never ending process I've ever experienced. I could barely remain conscious the pain was so excruciating.

With contractions coming every minute, I would fall into a deep sleep for 45 seconds before the contractions would wake me up and the unbearable pain would start all over. As the doctor stretched me he kept saying 'I know it hurts, just push into the pain'. It took all my resolve not to kick him in the groin and tell him 'YOU push into the pain!'

But even in my darkest moment somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind I knew when I eventually got out of what turned out to be 24 hours of hard labor that comment, 'I know it hurts, just push into the pain', would become a metaphor for my life.

Life has it's Painful Moments

Birthing a new life--literally or figuratively has it's painful moments--but when you push into the pain and stay focused on your dreams you move through it to gain a new life. It isn't always pleasant or easy but when you achieve a dream it's worth it in the end.

There is no way to avoid or go around the the painful part of life on our way to achieving our dreams. No one 'has it easy'. But if we keep our eyes on the goal, instead of the obstacles, we allow ourselves to be led by our dreams instead of stopped by the obstacles, making it easier to endure the difficulties along the way.

Are You Ready to Turn it Around?

• Where have I felt immobilized by obstacles? What do I need to let go to  free up head space for pursuing my dreams?
• Who or what belief barriers have I let take up residence in my head that I need to evict? Kick them out and make room for your dreams and intentions.
• If I were led by my dreams today what would I do differently?