Turning Obstacles Into Blessings

"Your capacity to be creatively alive in virtually all life circumstances will depend in large part upon the kind of attitude you choose for yourself."

- Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Author/Lecturer

In almost every part of daily living, there are obstacles that prevent you from accomplishing your goals. Whether the obstacles are in running a business or in handling a personal crisis, the objective is the same. You have to get above it, over it, under it, or around the obstacle.

Whenever you are faced with an obstacle, learn to see it for what it is. Think of how you can remove it, or make it harmless and not so important. By making the obstacle weaker and less important, you make yourself and your business more stronger.

FIVE WAYS YOU CAN FACE OBSTACLES AND TURN THEM INTO BLESSINGS

Never dwell on the cause of the obstacle. Rise above it and change the way you respond to it. It only has as much power as you're willing to give it.

Check your attitude. Know that you have the ability to control the outcome, and/or to choose the answer that's right for you.

Think of an alternative. If one answer doesn't work, or if it doesn't feel right, try another way to get to the best solution.

Realize that your view of the obstacle is what may determine how much impact it has on your life.

Think about what you were doing just before the obstacle happened. Don't make excuses to yourself. Turn the obstacle into a positive motivator. Then find a way to move toward your goal.

FIVE OBSTACLES THAT CAN INFLUENCE YOUR LIFE AND BUSINESS

*** FEAR OF FAILURE. Do you think of all the reasons not to pursue your goals because you might fail? What if you make a wrong choice? What happens when something doesn't work out? These can be mind numbing experiences. Ask yourself if your fear keeps you from doing your best, or if you might lose a client or friend because of it.

*** GUILT. No act, either big or small should make another person feel guilty. When you give your best, you have no reason to feel guilty. When you trust your feelings and are responsible for your actions, you'll have no reason to feel guilty.

*** CRITICISM. The Golden Rule prevails here. When you do (criticize) unto others, it (criticism) will be done unto you. If you can't take criticism, don't criticize others. Set boundaries between you and your critics. Try not to return criticism with criticism. You will be the better person.

*** DEFEAT. This obstacle is all in your attitude. The more stressed or overwhelmed you are with handling challenges, the more defeated you may feel. Let your faith work for you and know that with your skills you'll get it right. At times, you may need to connect with a higher source of power. If your spirituality or belief is strong you will overcome any challenge.

*** CONFLICT. Dealing with difficult situations, and difficult people can be quite intimidating. What do you do when you find yourself in a frustrating situation? Are you passive? Aggressive? Or, assertive? After you've identified the specific issue, take a deep breathe, then act or speak with your honest feelings and get closure on the situation. For example: if you need to confront someone, be specific about what happened and how it made you feel. Then get your point across without hanging on to your anger. Look for a positive outcome--one that will benefit everyone involved.

Obstacles are only temporary misfortunes. The next time you experience an obstacle, whether it's fear, guilt, defeat, criticism, or a conflict in your life or business, remember that you have a choice to turn any obstacle into a blessing. Take a look at the people you interact with. Are they fair? Positive and upbeat? Respectful? Pleasant to be around? Are you the same? If so, then your obstacles will be at a minimum.

Think of other obstacles that may hold you back from succeeding. Recognize them. When you encounter an unmovable obstacle, confront it and learn from it so that the next time you'll be stronger and quicker to get to a favorable result. Be positive. Be respectful. Be powerful. Be pleasant. You always have a choice!

###

About The Author

Gerri D Smith is publisher and host of multiple Gateways to inspiration, motivation, and information for individuals, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. Gerri's internet business resource offers ways for you to unlock the doors to personal success. To help you reach more of your successful and financial goals, become one of the exclusive subscribers to her Free Monthly Newsletter. For details, visit: http://www.distinctivebusinesswomen.com Or, send blank email with: "Subscribe to DBW's Newsletter-11AC" in Subject Box and mailto: gerri@distinctivebusinesswomen.com

gerri@distinctivebusinesswomen.com

In The News:


Google News
Updated : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:08:13 GMT

Cheesesteaks, troops withdrawals and cigarettes that kill Iranians… - FOXNews

Cheesesteaks, troops withdrawals and cigarettes that kill Iranians…
FOXNews - 4 hours ago
by Mosheh Oinounou PITTSBURGH, PA - Sen. McCain, joined by his wife Cindy, made a previously unannounced visit to the Primanti Brothers Restaurant and Bar, a famous Pittsburgh-area sandwich shop, Tuesday evening for a retail stop-turned media ...
Caution: Can Iran cigarette jokes be dangerous to McCain's ... Los Angeles Times
McCain jokes about killing Iranians with cigarettes Reuters
The Associated Press - Washington Post - ABC News - Tribune Review
all 156 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:11:13 GMT

McCain, Obama court Latino group - Los Angeles Times


Voice of America
McCain, Obama court Latino group
Los Angeles Times - 2 hours ago
Sen. John McCain addresses the League of United Latino American Citizens in Washington, DC. today. McCain plans to tell the Latino advocacy group that the nation must secure its borders "while respecting the dignity and rights of citizens and legal ...
Candidates talk up Latino connections Boston Globe
Candidates woo Hispanic group USA Today
New York Daily News - Houston Chronicle - San Francisco Chronicle - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
all 500 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:56:13 GMT

VMware Ousts CEO Diane Greene - BusinessWeek


Boston Globe
VMware Ousts CEO Diane Greene
BusinessWeek - 1 hour ago
by Aaron Ricadela VMware ended a long-running battle over its strategic direction on July 8, ousting co-founder and CEO Diane Greene and installing Microsoft veteran Paul Maritz in her place.
EMC Replaces the Chief and Co-Founder of VMware, Silencing Talk of ... New York Times
VMware CEO abruptly replaced SiliconValley.com
Wall Street Journal - Forbes - MarketWatch - San Francisco Chronicle
all 361 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:13:27 GMT

Reiser deal ultimately hinges on judge's OK - San Francisco Chronicle


Washington Post
Reiser deal ultimately hinges on judge's OK
San Francisco Chronicle - 44 minutes ago
(07-08) 17:14 PDT OAKLAND -- The defense can ask for a deal in a murder case like Hans Reiser's, and the prosecution can sign off on it, but it's the judge who has the final say.
Reiser takes plea deal for lesser sentence San Jose Mercury News
My interview with murderer Hans Reiser Salon
San Diego Union Tribune - SiliconValley.com - The Associated Press - CNET News
all 654 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:23:31 GMT

Cheney's staff censored EPA, ex-official alleges - Boston Globe


Washington Post
Cheney's staff censored EPA, ex-official alleges
Boston Globe - 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON - Members of Vice President Dick Cheney's staff censored congressional testimony by a top federal official on the health threats posed by global warming, a former official of the Environmental Protection Agency said yesterday.
Cheney’s Office Said to Edit Draft Testimony on Warming New York Times
White House in climate change "cover up" Reuters
San Francisco Chronicle - USA Today - ABC News - Wall Street Journal
all 564 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:36:02 GMT

Hunger for victory defines Obama - Financial Times


BBC News
Hunger for victory defines Obama
Financial Times - 2 hours ago
By Edward Luce in Washington When Democrats criticise John McCain, they first praise his honourable military record. When Republicans do the same to Barack Obama, many begin by conceding that he is an “attractive and talented candidate”.
Video: AP Campaign Minute AssociatedPress
McCain, Obama Trade Early Fire in TV Ads FOXNews
ABC News - KVBC - The Associated Press - Newsweek
all 2,342 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:54:07 GMT

Iran test fires long and medium range missiles - Reuters


Malaysia Star
Iran test fires long and medium range missiles
Reuters - 1 hour ago
By Fredrik Dahl TEHRAN, July 9 (Reuters) - Iran has test fired nine long- and medium-range missiles, including one which it has previously said could reach Israel and US bases in the region, state media reported on Wednesday.
Iran Test-Fires Missile Capable of Reaching Israel (Update1) Bloomberg
Iran test-fires Shahab-3 long-range missile RIA Novosti
BBC News - Monsters and Critics.com - International Herald Tribune - Jerusalem Post
all 347 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:02:53 GMT

Make Money With Affiliate Data Feeds
RSS Software


PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

How Logic Puzzles Can Help You Become a Better Problem Solver

I have to admit that I am a confirmed puzzle-head.... Read More

Creativity Management ? Intellectual Cross Pollination

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Achieving Limitless Creativity

There are many out there who wish to help individuals... Read More

Shyness - Another View

We are all born shy, aren't we? When we see... Read More

Creating Reality ? Discovering the Magician Within

We all create our own reality each and every day,... Read More

Five Steps to Higher Creativity: Engaging the Human Spirit

Unleash Your Creativity! Creativity has often been the misunderstood... Read More

Creativity Management ? Measurement, Benchmarking, and Improvement

Contrary to common perception, creativity can be made tangible, measurable... Read More

Are You A Creative Meathead?

Remember Archie Bunker's description of what a Meathead was on... Read More

Find the Artist Within

Can anyone be an artist? People admiring my work... Read More

Make EVERY DAY An Artist Retreat Day

What do you enjoy most about going on an Artist... Read More

Creativity Management ? Finish What You Start

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Taking it Step by Step: Combining Intuition, Spiritual Purpose, and Creativity

Something I have always found helpful is taking affirmative action... Read More

Top Ten Brainstorming Techniques for Business Success

We experience creativity every time a fresh idea pops into... Read More

Theres A Light At The End Of Your Tunnel, Called Imagination!

Imagine this. You've got this huge dream you just turned... Read More

Self-Care for Creative Artists: 10 Reasons To Care About It

1. To be more comfortable in performance situations ? performance... Read More

My Work Is My Play - The Journey From Survival to Creativity

"For the love a' creation!", my father was fond of... Read More

7 Techniques to Supercharge your Creativity and Solve your Problems

Do you ever encounter problems, challenges or obstacles in your... Read More

Learn A Life Skill TODAY!

Did you ever watch your grandma knitting?Wasn't it boring? Didn't... Read More

Telling It Like It Is (Or Can Be)

When you hear, "tell me a story," does your mind... Read More

Its Time to Get Out of the Box

"It is never too late to be what you might... Read More

Dancing On Your Brain: The Cha-Cha Effect

My grandmother used to say that the secret to living... Read More

Rejuvenate & Re-Fuel Your Inner Drive

I believe that as solo-entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives we... Read More

The Sylvia Plath Pattern Of Creative Flow

* Sylvia Plath teaches a valuable lesson about the Even... Read More

Business Innovation ? Personal Creativity

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Breathing Out Stage Fright

You're stepping onto the stage, amidst opening night flurry and... Read More