How to: Turn an Obstacle into an Opportunity

1.Fail Quickly

I read this statement somewhere and at first, I was confused.  Um, Why would I want to fail at all?!  I wanted to succeed in any opportunity I had. After a few experiences, I realized it’s better to fail when you’re less invested and still have time to correct whatever issue you may have. If you mess up early just take that time to ask all the questions you need to be better at what you’re doing.

2.Stay Moving

When something doesn’t go your way, It’s easy to stop and give up. But You’re a Boss Lady so you can’t! You’re allowed to take a break and regroup. But don’t quit. Use your frustration to just roll through and attack your problem head-on.

3.Change your attitude

I’m sure you’ve heard before if you can’t change your situation–Change the way you look at it. I really believe in the power of thoughts and how your attitude can change a situation. I try to be a positive person because I know in most situations things will get done. Maybe not the way I planned, but there is always a solution.

4.Don’t stress over what you can’t control

Focus on what you can do. This is definitely easier said than done. But I find when I take a minute and recognize the factors that are beyond my control it is easier for me to develop a strategy to work on what I do have control over.

Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness. -Oprah

5.Find the good in the situation-look for the opportunity!

What can you learn from the challenge you’re experiencing? There’s likely a lesson in the situation. Whenever I’m going through something I just picture how good I will feel after making it through the situation and it motivates me to work towards creating that moment. Things can be a lot worse in life and I know at any given moment someone would be glad to trade problems.

6.Use the obstacle for your advancement

Maybe this tough situation provides the opportunity for you to show why you’re really great at your job. Or perhaps you will now have exposure to another skill. Say ‘Yes!’ to the challenge because you will not grow from doing the same thing every day. You have to step outside of your comfort zone.

7.Don’t think about how things “Should” be or are “Supposed” to be

Go with the flow. There is more than one path to the end. When you get caught up with how you thought things were supposed to be, you end up just wasting time dwelling when you can be working. Embrace the new plan and get to work!

8.Focus on the big picture

Likely, whatever obstacle has popped up is really just detour towards the final goal. As I said before, there is more than one path to the end, so embrace whatever route you end up taking and all the extra stops you didn’t plan on taking. There is a purpose in whatever obstacle you may face so use it to achieve that end goal!

Once you turn your obstacle around I have a post on How to Stay Inspired all Year Long Here and a list of Motivational Books here!

What strategies do you use when faced with obstacles?