24 Seven August 2021

O
Obstacles present themselves daily.
We always have the choice to maintain a calm emotional state
or become rattled. Whether it’s relationship conflict, a health
setback, traffic jam or a lost job, those same two possibilities
exist. Which do you routinely choose? The key is to maintain
your composure as much as possible. But how?
Life transitions, challenges and chaos are all different types
of hurdles, but each present a chance to turn obstacles into
opportunities. Carefully choose your thoughts, mindset and
emotional response in every situation. Try these tips in the
midst of difficult challenges.
Be defiant. On some level, composure is the result of defiance.
It’s the refusal to allow a situation to knock you off center or
intimidate you.
Take responsibility. Something powerful happens when you
choose to take responsibility for a situation: you have the power
to change course or work through things. The result is feeling
less stress and anxiety.
Stay present. In times of turmoil, keep your attention
on your current task. Stay in the present moment. Focus
on what you want to have happen rather than on possible
negative outcomes. To stay present when your mind wanders,
concentrate on your breathing and all the good still available
to you. Practice gratitude for the positive moments, events and
people who make you smile. You can only think about one thing
at a time. Use that fact to your advantage and stay centered on
the positive.
Center on solutions. While some people are masters at
concentrating on their challenges, successful people keep their
emphasis on solutions. The more you practice this, the more
adept you’ll become. What you focus on expands! Amplifying
challenges clouds your vision. Fear, anxiety and anger limit
your ability to see every option and often the most elegant or
simple solution may elude you. You’re at your best when you
stay poised and positive. Self-care and support from others are
of great value here.
While putting these tips into practice, it’s important to
stay objective. Objectivity is the ability to see the situation
accurately, without the influence of emotion, prejudice, or bias.
When you’re observing, you see what’s truly there. When you’re
perceiving, your vision is skewed because you’re witnessing
through the lens of emotion.
Practice objectivity and find more opportunities with these
tips:
Avoid quick reactions. When frightened, a deer either freezes
or runs. Running is a strong instinct, not a thoughtful process.
In fact, it’s so strong that deer often flee from one threat only to
run straight into something more ominous like a busy roadway.
Reacting quickly is the result of instinct. We do it too. Your boss
infuriates you, so you quit. Your spouse makes a mistake and
you verbally unload on them. Reacting quickly is rarely the best
option. When faced with obstacles, take time to thoughtfully
respond rather than react. Honestly assess the situation before
choosing an action.
De-personalize the situation. What advice would you give
a friend? Objectivity is easier to find when you take your ego
out of the equation. Obstacles seem smaller when they feel less
personal. Although we should always try, few people can be
objective at all times. We’re all products of our past, erroneous
thinking and limiting beliefs unless we’ve done the work
to create better choices. The ability to see the truth lays the
groundwork for overcoming obstacles and seeing opportunities.
Above all, your mindset matters. When we believe we have
options and opportunities we absolutely do. When we believe
we don’t, it’s a self-fulfilling-prophecy. As Christopher Reeve
said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to
persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Turn
your obstacles into opportunities and be your own hero!
About The Author
LINDA MITCHELL
Linda Mitchell is a certified transformational coach, reinvention
expert, speaker, LMT and energy healer. For 20 years she has
operated from a deep desire to help people who feel stuck,
overwhelmed or ready for change to move through life transitions
and challenges with more ease, grace and purpose.
To Learn More Visit:
www.LivingInspiredCoaching.com