You have a big vision and a plan, but it seems like something is always in your path impeding your progress. Sometimes, there are limited resources or individuals get in the way. Other times there are distractions redirecting your focus and energy. How do you minimize the negative impact these roadblocks can have?
We respond to obstacles differently. You may run or give in when difficulty blocks your path. Digging in and showing your stubborn streak may be your natural response. Or it could be that you begin to blame others for what you are now having to deal with.
If you could only get past these roadblocks, you know great results await. Regardless of your natural tendencies, these three principles will minimize the hindrance of any obstacle.
1. Remove unnecessary baggage
A friend of our family works at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. Through her generosity, we were able to visit the employee store and see all the future products Nike would soon be releasing. I was amazed at the sections dedicated to running shoes and apparel. Signs by each article boasted of its performance. Lightweight, non-binding, breathable and durable were written on many labels. When you would pick up the article of clothing or shoe, they almost seemed lighter than air, like, if you wore them, they would lift you off the ground.
In contrast, imagine running in heavy boots, with layers of heavy clothes, and a rather large and heavy pack on your back.
“...let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely..." Hebrews 12:1
We carry a lot of baggage with us through life, weighing us down. This weight makes progress difficult and obstacles appear insurmountable. The sins of our past create doubt and discouragement as we face new challenges.
Follow the wisdom of the writer of Hebrews. Take a breath, think about what is weighing you down and take the opportunity you have been given to take it off and lay it aside. Attacking the obstacle without the weight of the baggage will lessen the burden.
2. Focus on the outcome, not the obstacle
When faced with obstacles, we often focus so much on the obstacle that we do not even realize there is more on the other side.
I spent one summer working on an alfalfa farm. Being from Silicon Valley, I had never seen some of the larger equipment used to harvest the hay. When it was my turn to cut the hay with the swather, I remember the farmer giving me basic instructions and emphasizing that I had to make sure to make the rows straight. Confidently, I told myself that these would be the straightest rows he would ever see.
Looking over the large yellow wheel, I made my way to the other end of the field. I looked so intently at the ground right in front of my tractor that I knew I had done well. As I looked back at the path I had traveled, I was surprised to see an incredibly crooked and wavy line. I tried again. This time sitting up as high in the cab as possible and focusing right over the cutting wheel. I do not think I even blinked!
As I neared the end of my second pass of the field, the farmer approached me in the large swather. Looking back together, we saw this line was worse than the first. Gently, he put his arm around my shoulder and pointed to the distant trees across the field. He instructed me to focus on a single tree, and drive straight for it. Of course, this created a much straighter row.
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
This time, the author instructs us to look to Jesus, fix our eyes on Him, just as Jesus had endured so much by fixing His eyes on His Father.
When obstacles block your progress and effectiveness, look past them. Focus on the future and do whatever you have to do to leave the difficulties in your rear view mirror. In other words, focus on solutions and effective outcomes rather than increasing the difficulty of the problem.
3. Keep going!
Super Bowl LI, February 5, 2017 - Late in the third quarter the New England Patriots trailed the Atlanta Falcons by 25 points. Atlanta's lead with just under ten minutes to play in the game was still 19 points. I will admit, I am not a Patriots fan, but I will never forget what unfolded before my eyes that evening. Aided by an unbelievable catch by Julian Edelman, Tom Brady led his team to two touchdowns, two 2 point conversions and a field goal to send the game into overtime. It was no surprise on their first possession in overtime that the Patriots marched their way down the field for the winning score.
When facing seemingly impossible odds and obstacles, the Patriots kept playing.
"Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” Hebrews 12:3
The author of Hebrews knows we are going to need endurance – the ability to outlast the hard stuff. He points to Jesus and how He kept going through hostility and obstacles.
Jesus chose to continue on, just as the Patriots chose to keep playing hard. Make that your choice during the difficult trials as well.
Obstacles are opportunities for growth or discouragement. Choose to become better by overcoming them.