No matter what goals we have set for the new year, we will hit barriers.
The barriers one person encounters will likely be different than those of another.
Knowing when you hit a barrier and having a strategy to overcome is important.
Common Barriers
Below is a list of common barriers we might hit and a suggestion of how to overcome each.
Clarity: Your goal may be too vague. Overcome this challenge by setting a measurable vision and breaking that goal down into smaller, manageable tasks.
Motivation: This is one of the most frequent reasons to stop working toward a goal. To overcome we can identify the reason for pursuing the goal. This allows us to visualize the benefits and rewards.
Procrastination: This barrier can be closely related to motivation. Setting deadlines for each step towards the goal and creating a routine can help us eliminate distractions.
Skills or Knowledge: Sometimes we need additional education to achieve our goals. We can identify the skill gaps and start to learn via books, people, online learning, or live classes.
Discipline/Time: Often those who use time as a barrier are struggling with the discipline of prioritizing time to focus on the goal. Accountability from ourselves or others to stay focused.
External Obstacles: These can be another excuse for not putting our own priorities first. We can identify external factors that may hinder progress and develop contingency plans for these obstacles.
Time Management: Sometimes we think we can accomplish more than is possible in the time given. To help with this we can prioritize tasks based on importance & urgency and strive to set realistic deadlines.
My Perspective
I’m certain there are other barriers that might crop up as well, but this list will get us started.
For me, I struggle most with procrastination and time management (the biting off too much).
Over the years, I’ve discovered that typically something else is causing procrastination.
It might be fear of failure, uncertainty of where/how to start, or I just don’t want to do the thing.
Looking at the “why” behind your barriers might provide a deeper insight.
Your Turn
Which of these barriers have you struggled with most when striving toward your goals?
Could the strategies provided support you with an approach to overcome?
Is there a deeper “why” at play for you?