We all know about optical illusions, right? They happen most often because our perception is skewed in some way and the result is that we see something that isn’t really there.
What about obstacle illusions? Those are the things we *see* as obstacles and allow to block our path.
Both types of illusions can be dangerous if we accept them as they are. But if we do a little investigating we can easily see the truth and that is they’re not at all what they seem.
Why am I bringing this up? Because so often we allow obstacles to block us without ever questioning whether they’re real or illusory. And because of that, we limit ourselves and never reach our potential.
If you start questioning those obstacles, more often than not, you’ll see they only look like blocks. Almost always there is a way to overcome or circumnavigate them. You may have to channel your inner Houdini, but if you want to find a way around you can!
Here are a set of questions to help you gain clarity so you can find a way to navigate past the obstacle. Ask yourself:
Do I have all the facts?
If you don’t, you need to find out what’s really going on. Because you can’t possibly deal effectively with the issue if you don’t fully know the issue.
Am I looking at those or am I allowing my emotions to cloud the view?
Assuming you do have the facts, be sure you’re looking at them with as much objectivity as possible. Emotions can easily get in the way, and when they do we lose focus. I mean that literally. When we see things through an angry, resentful or scared lens, the image gets distorted. And that means what we’re seeing isn’t really what’s there.
Bottom line, if we allow emotion to take over we may wind up trying to solve a problem that doesn’t even exist.
Can this problem be simplified?
Here you’re asking if the challenge can be broken down into simpler terms. If you can distill it down, do it! You’ll likely find it’s easier to tackle the problem component by component, rather than one big bite.
Is there another way to look at this problem?
Seriously, switch your perspective. Even the slightest shift can reveal new details. You’ll illuminate flaws and features that may make the problem easier to solve. Or maybe, just maybe, you’ll find the challenge is really an opportunity!
What skills are needed to meet the challenge?
When you know the skill set needed, you can asses whether you can go it alone or if you need to call in some help. Which brings us to the next question…
Who can help me?
Who can seek out for assistance or advice? Who do you know that has faced the same type of obstacle? People love to be helpful, so don’t think you have to go it alone. Sometimes just having a conversation about the issue will clarify what needs to be done. Or maybe you’ll spark an idea and a solution will appear.
In any event, get creative, change your perspective, try something new – go over, go under, go through, but go!
Want more little tips like this? Or maybe a little accountability? Join the Clear Your Clutter, Find Your Happy community. We’re a supportive group of like-minded souls. We focus on clearing the clutter from our lives, getting real things done, working toward our goals and creating happy, fulfilling lives – you can find us here. We’d love to welcome you!
