Ob·sta·cle, (noun) An opportunity in disguise

It's one month into the new year! How are your resolutions coming along? If you are human, which I hope you are if you are reading this, the honest truth is that you have probably had some setbacks. Life happens, and I am here to reassure you, that is okay. Obstacles are actually opportunities in disguise. Our perspective on situations or the angle which we choose to view them, can paint drastically different pictures.

If given the chance, everyone could name obstacles in their life, but it is how we overcome them that puts together our story. Today’s blog will provide you strategies to view obstacles as opportunities and how to stay on track with your goals.

1. Ask yourself, is my goal SMART? Naturally, your answer may be yes since you thought of it. However, SMART is an acronym.

Specific- Is your goal vague? Make sure it is detailed.
Example: I want to save $50 per week for 20 weeks to pay off debt by June 1, 2018.

Measurable- How will you measure progress?
Example: You should be able to track your progress by counting your money sum weekly.

Attainable- Is this goal actually achievable? If not, you are already setting yourself up for failure.
Example: Base the amount that you save weekly on your current spending habits. If you are living paycheck to paycheck you may need to scale back your goal.

Realistic- With my available resources, can I achieve this goal?
Example: Will you be sacrificing your lifestyle or others around you to achieve this goal?

Time-Based- Am I giving myself enough time to achieve my goal?
Example: Have you calculated if $50 for 20 weeks will pay off all your debt? If it doesn’t, then adjust your goal.

2. Write down your goals. On physical paper, this makes them more concrete and tangible.

3. Keep yourself accountable. Tell your friends, family, or coworkers about your goal; they can help keep you on track. Post it on social media. What else is Instagram for?

4. Reward yourself for the small victories. Break down your goal into smaller ones and celebrate the wins. Worked out 3 times per week for a month? Treat yourself to a manicure.

5. Ask yourself, are you ready for it? Taylor Swift says it best. Is this the right time in your life to take on this goal? Are your surroundings conducive to your goal? Do you have the tools and resources to succeed?


Last, but not least:
6. Remember the bigger picture. If you are beating yourself up because of one slip up, remember the grand scheme of life. A year from now, are you going to remember that one day where you ate a piece a chocolate or are you going to remember how hard you worked to achieve your goal?

Failing is a part of success and it is what we learn from our failures that gives us the knowledge to succeed. Think, if you fell and broke your leg…you wouldn’t get up and walk on it, right? That is how you have to think about your goals. Falling once will not do you in, but continuously falling back into a cycle does.

In the end, an obstacle is just a hurdle on your road to success, and all you have to do is jump to stay on track. And if you fall? Get back up one more time than you fall down and you win the race.

By: Alicia Everette

A millennial wellness enthusiast trying to figure out life. Coupon Queen. Experimental Chef. Personal Trainer. Aspiring Health Coach.