What’s in our way and how do we clear a path?
In order to get clear, we might need to clear something out the way first. Or maybe we need to identify the obstacle and work out how to navigate around it. Sometimes, we just need to hack through a problem to get to the other side.
Some of the barriers we experience in life are physical, or at least resources outside of ourselves - time, money, help from others. And some of the barriers we perceive are home grown - internal obstacles of fear or doubt or belief. And some of the barriers we sense are actually a lack of something we need - like more information, motivation or skill.
Below are some obstacles, both internal and external, that prevent us from moving forward easily. They might not be clear in our minds, and some thought about what our barriers might be in more detail can help us do something about them.
By recognising our barriers, we are some way towards being able to dismantle them.
Clearing a path
Think about something that requires your attention, something you want to feel unstuck or more mobilised about.
What kind of obstacle stands in your way of this happening?
Consider the matrix below, and sense which of these feels like the greatest obstacle to your success.
Read the definitions below and begin to identify for yourself the shape and quality of the obstacle you perceive.
Information - I don’t know what to do and don’t know where to find out
Skill - I don’t have the skills to succeed in this area
Belief - This will never happen. Other people might be able to do it, but it is unlikely for me
Well being - I am too tired/stressed/ill to deal with this
Other people - My wife/husband/kids/boss makes it difficult for me
Motivation - I can’t get started/I don’t care enough
Time - There is not enough time in the day to get this done
Money - I can’t afford to do this
Fear - I feel sick at the thought of it
Then ask yourself the holy trinity of coaching questions:
What? (what is the obstacle and why is it there?)
So what? (what does this tell me about the beliefs I hold, or what pattern does this follow?)
Now what? (what am I going to do about it, or what can I do next?)
Good luck acknowledging and dismantling your obstacles!