4 Ways to Turn Obstacles Into Opportunities

4 Ways to Turn Obstacles Into Opportunities Article by Smita SinghMichael Jordan is a basketball legend, but he wasnt born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Out of seemingly unending obstacles, he built a career so many can only dream of.When his high schools varsity team needed more players for the approaching playoffs, Jordan tried out but didnt make the cut. It was a major disappointment, and he vowed to become the best basketball player he could.By the following season, his work ethic on the practice courts had made him a dominant force on the varsity team. If he had given up, we wouldnt have the legend we have today.Every person facesobstacles in their life. How they overcome those obstacles determines their success. Here are a few tips on how to get past the obstacles you face in your personal life and career1. Perceive Obstacles as MereDetours on the Way to Your Final GoalHave the conviction that your goal is achievable. The actor Chris Burke, who has Down syndrome, once said, I have a motto on my bedroom wall Obstacles are what you see when you take your eye off the goal. Giving up is not my style. I just want to do something thats worthwhile.Once your eyes are set on the goal, dont allow minor obstacles to distract you. Its easy to give up its much harder to stick to the plan.2. Hope Is Not a PlanThere will always be obstacles along the way. Hoping they will go away and that things will issue in place is not the answer. Create achievable and realistic goals to ensure success. The goals you create should be simple, clear, desirable, and measurable. Measure progress and celebrate accomplishments to motivate yourself to moveforward at a faster pace.There are numerous books and blogs regarding SMART goals. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-based. Ifyour goals meet these standards, it will bemuch easier to stick to themwhen you run into obstacles.3. Focus on What You Can DoWhen Jordan was cut from the varsity team, he was only 510. He wanted to be taller, but he knew that was beyondhis control. Instead of wasting his time and effort, he focused on honing the skills he could control.Instead of thinking about what you cannot do, think about what you can do. Use the obstacle as a means to become better or think of creative ways to overcome it. When you hit a wall, find a way to climb over it or drilla hole in the wall to get to the other side. Dont just stand there and wonder why you hit the wall.4. We Cant Always Control Events, But We Can Control ur AttitudesChoose an attitude to prevail. Develop an unshakable belief in yourself and your abilities. Have the confidence to be the exception, the outlier who overcomes all obstacles someone who is willing to bet on themselves.Our brains have nerve pathways called the reticular activating system (RAS). The RAS receives directions from various parts of the brain, decides which pieces of information are useful, and makes a command happen accordingly. What this means is we can program our minds to be positive and search for viable solutions. Developing the right mindset is the best solution for overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.Obstacles are inevitable. All successful people have faced and overcome their own obstacles. Conviction in your goals, a smart plan, creative solutions, and the right mindset can give you a powerful determination to succeed.A version of this article originally appeared on SUCCESS.com.Smita Singh works with executives and companies to optimize their personal and company brands throughdigital content and social media marketing. She mentors a group of more than 1,300 women entrepreneurs in Houston and hosts the Womenpreneur Strategies For Success podcast.