Overcoming Obstacles Large

Overcoming Obstacles

July 12, 2018

Obstacles make it more difficult for you to reach your goal.  You may have obstacles related to your school work, job search, or career advancement.  Sometimes you can foresee potential obstacles.  Other times they seem to appear without warning.  Regardless, a change in attitude and a response plan can help you get around these obstacles.

Change your focus.


Sometimes obstacles can seem so big that they keep you from getting started.  Don’t let self-defeating thoughts keep you from pursuing your goals.  Instead, focus on solutions.  Having a positive attitude can help you:

    • See possible solutions despite the size of the obstacle.
    • Persevere through rough times.

Have you ever had any of these thoughts or something similar?  If so, have you considered the possible solutions?

Self-defeating Thought
Solution Thought
​I can’t afford to go to school.​I am going to see what my options are for getting financial assistance for school.
​I don’t have time to go to back to school.  I have to take care of my family.    ​I am going to check into online classes or attend school part-time. It might take longer to graduate, but it is my best option.
​There are no jobs out there for me. ​I am going to expand my job search to using more than just the Sunday paper.  I am going to talk with friends, family, and former co-workers.  I am going to search online and visit the local Illinois workNet Center.


Plan ahead.

How do you deal with obstacles that appear out of nowhere?  You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond.  Planning ahead can help you respond quickly and appropriately.  Brainstorm potential problems and have a response plan.

Potential Obstacle
Response Plan
​The babysitter gets sick.​Have a backup person that you can call as an emergency babysitter.
​Your car breaks down.​Identify a person that you could car pool with if needed. Have an emergency fund set aside to pay for car repairs.
​You can’t find the location for your job interview.    ​Practice getting to your interview before the day of the interview.


Are you prepared for obstacles?  If not, start preparing today.

 

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Overcoming Obstacles by Illinois workNet is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License


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