If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re smack in the middle of a rough patch.
Maybe it feels like life keeps tossing hurdles onto your path—one after another—just as you’re trying to get your footing.
Well, let’s be real for a second: obstacles in life aren’t unusual or unfair. They’re just part of how life works, no matter how much we wish it were easier sometimes.
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You can’t always control which challenges land in your lap. None of us can.
But you can control how you respond to obstacles in life, how you adapt, and whether you keep moving forward.
So if you’re facing self-doubt, weighed down by setbacks, or just struggling to see the way out—know that you’re not alone. This guide is all about showing you how to navigate these moments, one step at a time. You can also out some specific strategies from the Holding Your Fee to the Fire blog on what to do when nothing is working out.
Let’s get started and turn those life obstacles into your next opportunities.
Obstacles in Life Aren’t the End—They’re a Signal to Reroute
Obstacles in life have a way of stealing the spotlight, making everything else fade into the background.
But running into challenges doesn’t mean you’ve reached a stop sign—it’s more like your internal GPS saying, “Hey, time to reroute!”
With that in mind, let’s reframe how these so-called setbacks actually fit into your personal growth.
You’re in a Tough Season, Not a Dead End
Maybe you’re slogging through a breakup, staring down a career rut, or grappling with health issues that just won’t let up.
When you’re in the thick of it, it can feel like you’ll never get a break. But in my experience (and trust me, I’ve been there), tough seasons are just that—seasons.
They’re not your whole story.
Much like winter turning to spring, your situation can shift, often when you least expect it. Sometimes the best move isn’t to bulldoze through, but to acknowledge, “This is hard, but it won’t last forever.”
Self compassion and patience with yourself go a long way in overcoming obstacles.
Every Obstacle Holds a Message (If You’re Willing to Listen)
Think back—how many times did a life challenge force you to get creative, pivot your plans, or discover strengths you didn’t know you had?
Life obstacles can be guides in disguise. They push you to ask self-improvement questions that you might have avoided:
- “Is this job or business actually right for me?”
- “What am I tolerating that isn’t working?”
- “Where do I need to slow down, or maybe ask for help?”
It’s not always comfortable, but there’s often wisdom tucked inside the discomfort.
Why Life Feels Heavy—and Why That Doesn’t Mean You’re Doing It Wrong
If your shoulders ache from metaphorically carrying too much, let’s address the weight. Feeling overwhelmed isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a part of forging a meaningful life.
Life doesn’t come with an “easy mode”—especially if you care about your growth and personal success.
Some days, you’ll feel like you’re trudging through mud, while everyone else is waltzing on dry land. Spoiler: They’re probably slipping, too, just out of your sight. Overcoming obstacles is difficult for everyone.
The Hidden Power of Naming What’s Keeping You Stuck
Here’s something I’ve learned along the way: Vague struggles can often multiply.
But when you put a name to what’s dragging you down—fear, grief, burnout, uncertainty—you get a grip on it. And once you can see it, you can start to address it and develop strategies.
Learning effective self-regulation techniques can be a powerful way to manage these emotions and regain control.
So, if your load feels extra heavy, start by saying, “Okay, what exactly is it that’s pressing on me right now?” You can’t change what you won’t confront.
Common Life Obstacles That Quietly Undermine Your Progress
Let’s shine a light on those sneaky common obstacles in life that don’t make headlines, but can certainly chip away at your momentum.
Sometimes, it’s not the big disasters, but the constant background noise that wears you out.
Overthinking, Self-Criticism, and the Mental Noise That Slows You Down
Overthinking is like putting your mind on an endless treadmill—lots of exertion, but you’re still in the same spot.
And when negative thoughts and self-criticism pipes up, it’s like running with sandbags tied to your ankles.
These mental loops:
- Drain your energy before you’ve taken any action.
- Make decisions feel high-stakes, even when they’re not.
- Convince you that you’re behind, even when you’re just human.
If you often find yourself stuck replaying “what ifs” or mentally beating yourself up for small missteps, recognize that you’re not broken—your brain’s just caught in an old pattern.
It’s possible to learn skills that quiet the noise. (If you want tactical ways to ease up on yourself, you might enjoy my article on reclaiming your focus.)
Time Pressure, Distractions, and the Illusion of “Busy”
We’re all guilty of filling our days with activity, then wondering why we haven’t overcome the obstacles in life that we’re dealing with.
The problem? “Busy” doesn’t equal “productive.”
Time pressure and distractions can hijack your focus, leaving only scraps of attention for your real priorities. According to Cal Newport’s rules for focused success in a distracted world, reclaiming undistracted time is the key to breakthroughs—not more multitasking.
Try tracking where your attention goes during the day.
You might spot a pattern: the “urgent” emails or endless scroll sessions eating up your best hours. Once you see it, you can start protecting small windows for focused work or self-care.
The Myth of “I’ll Start When Things Settle Down”
Ever find yourself thinking, “I just need to get through this week, and then I’ll start XYZ”? Newsflash: Life rarely settles down on its own. There’s always another obstacle in life, holiday, or family drama waiting in the wings.
Perfectionism loves telling you that the “right time” is just around the corner.
But progress thrives in the messiness of “right now”. If you need a starting point, don’t wait for a clean slate—choose a tiny action you can take, even while dealing with life obstacles.
How Self-Doubt Keeps You Hesitating (Even When You Want to Move Forward)
Self-doubt is an expert at disguising itself as caution or “realism.” But too often, it becomes self-fulfilling—keeping you stuck, waiting for permission to act or proof that you won’t fail.
It’s sneaky, persistent, and strangely convincing.
The Voice That Says “You Can’t” Sounds Convincing—but It’s Not True
Most of us have a voice in our head trying to keep us “safe.” and avoid conflict. Unfortunately, it usually does this by listing all the ways things could go wrong or reminding you of every past flop.
It’s protective, but irrational—like an over-caffeinated hall monitor with a vivid imagination.
This voice tends to:
- Predict disaster where there’s only uncertainty.
- Discount your efforts and talents.
- Forget about every time you’ve already overcome obstacles in life.
I’ve coached dozens of people through these mental logjams, and guess what? That voice loses steam the minute you start ignoring its worst predictions and take even the smallest action anyway.
You Don’t Need Confidence to Act—You Need Action to Build Confidence
There’s a myth that confident people just act, while the rest of us wait until we “feel ready.” If you stick around waiting for a magical day when self-doubt is gone, you’ll be waiting a long time.
Taking action is how you build real confidence. For instance, setting some daily actions—like those suggested in 5 Daily Actions to Build Your Confidence—creates real momentum and emotional resilience, rooted in psychology.
You don’t need to believe in yourself 100%. You just need to move forward, even a little. Action creates evidence—proof that you can adapt, survive, and even thrive in less-than-perfect circumstances.
So what’s one thing you can do, even if you’re only 51% sure? I’ve learned time and again: courage opens doors that confidence alone can’t.
Mental Health Isn’t Separate from Progress—It Shapes Everything
If you’re determined to move forward and overcome obstacles, don’t skip this: Your mind isn’t just a side character in your story—it’s the engine. And engines need tuning.
When your mental health tanks, personal growth in other areas starts sputtering, too. That doesn’t mean you’re flawed. It means you’re human.
When Motivation Disappears and Everything Feels Too Much
There are days when nothing on your to-do list feels remotely possible. Suddenly, even the basics—like eating well or sending one email—can feel like climbing a mountain in roller skates.
Motivation comes and goes.
If you find yourself feeling numb, hopeless, or exhausted for days at a time, know that this isn’t just a “willpower issue.” Here’s a good article from Calm meditation app on how to spot the warning signs of burnout and what to do next.
Sometimes, your mind needs rest before it can even contemplate progress.
You’re Not Lazy—Your Mind Might Be Tired
If you’re someone who’s usually driven and productive, low energy can feel embarrassing or infuriating.
Let me say this plainly: fatigue isn’t a character flaw. It’s feedback—a sign that your mind (and maybe your body) needs care and deep introspection.
From my own past lows and past challenges, I’ve learned that shaming yourself into action rarely works. What does? Permission to rest, recharge, and seeking support.
How to Support Your Mental Health While You Keep Going
You don’t need to be perfectly “well” to take small steps. In fact, breaking things down protects your well-being. Here are a few tools that help so you can move at your own pace:
- Micro-steps: Pick one tiny action you can manage—like writing a list or texting a friend.
- Boundaries: Say “no” to non-essential requests to conserve precious energy.
- Self-care: Build in time for whatever soothes your nerves (nature, music, humor, even intentionally “doing nothing”).
Count progress in small increments while caring for your mind and overall well being. Remember, mental health isn’t a destination—it’s the ground you walk on.
The Turning Point: Moving From Stuck to Forward
There’s always a choice, even inside the mess. The turning point comes when you decide you don’t need to overhaul your whole life to move forward and overcome obstacles in life.
Sometimes, all you need is one step.
If that sounds almost too simple, stick with me—this shift can be powerful.
What If You Don’t Need to “Fix Everything”—Just Take One Step?
It’s tempting to make a list of 47 things you “should” be doing differently. But tackling every life obstacle at once is a recipe for burnout and overwhelm.
Instead, experiment with the “next smallest step” mindset. Ask yourself:
- “What’s one thing I can do today that moves me 1% closer to where I want to be?”
- “If I only did one thing this week, what would make the most difference in overcoming obstacles?”
You’d be surprised how often one step turns into another, and pretty soon you’re further along than you thought possible.
Morning motivation quotes can help set a positive tone for your day and guide your focus.
How to Interrupt Internal Struggles Without Burning Yourself Out
Mistaking over-effort for progress is an easy trap. You push harder, squeeze in more, try to “out-work” your own mind. But sometimes, slowing down interrupts the cycle:
- When you notice spiraling thoughts, pause and breathe—literally.
- Interrupt procrastination with a task so simple it seems silly. (Send that one email, drink some water, make your bed.)
- Give yourself permission to be imperfect. Momentum loves imperfection.
In the past when I’ve hesitated on a project, I realized that just two minutes of action was enough to break the grip of procrastination.
Sometimes, moving forward looks like resting. Sometimes, it’s embracing “done” over “perfect.”
Simple Tools That Help You Regain Momentum
Ready for a few tried-and-tested tools? Try any of these to regain traction when you’re stuck:
- The “Two-Minute” Rule (from James Clear’s Atomic Habits): If a task only takes two minutes, do it now. Don’t postpone it.
- Habit stacking: Pair a new habit with an established habit that you already do.
- Bullet journaling: Jot down one “win” or one grateful thought per day.
- Timers: Set a 10-minute timer and commit to working with focus until it goes off.
You don’t need a complicated system—just a willingness to choose action, even when it’s imperfect.
To Truly Find Success, Redefine What Success Means to You
This is big. For most of us, success is borrowed—handed to us by parents, peers, or that well-intentioned guidance counselor from high school.
But chasing someone else’s career advice or version of “making it” often leads you right into more obstacles in life.
Give yourself permission to achieve success in your own way.
Why Chasing Goals Isn’t Enough (And What Makes Them Stick)
It’s all too easy to chase goals because they sound impressive or look good on paper. But if they aren’t anchored to your values and sense of purpose, you’ll run out of steam—or worse, hit your targets and still feel empty.
I’ve seen it repeatedly: The people who stick with new habits or make big changes are the ones who’ve connected their efforts to something deeper than “should.” If your goals feel stale or heavy, ask:
- “Why does this matter to me, really?”
- “Am I trying to impress others or honor what I want in this chapter?”
This article from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley breaks down how to choose goals that make you come alive. So, make your ambitions personal. They’ll carry you forward when obstacles in life appear.
Redefining Success So It Doesn’t Break You
Redefining “success” doesn’t mean giving up on ambition—it means crafting a version that includes rest, joy, connection, and self discovery. Maybe you want more time for family, creative projects, or simply to feel less rushed.
Success that burns you out isn’t really success. Give yourself credit for showing up, for learning through failures, and for building emotional awareness.
Capturing small daily wins is often more transformative than chasing one shiny milestone.
I’ve learned that the most satisfying goals are the ones that feel true to who you are—not just what looks good on your social media feed.
Coaching Helps You Face Obstacles in Life With Support and Structure
There’s no shame in asking for help.
The bravest people I know are the ones who reach out for support when the going gets tough and life starts throwing life obstacles your way.
Coaching isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about creating new possibilities (with someone in your corner).
For many people, having a structure, sounding board, and regular accountability is the difference between spinning their wheels and actually overcoming obstacles.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone—What Coaching Really Offers
Coaching is about way more than advice from a so-called “expert.” It’s a partnership:
- Someone to help you clarify your values and vision.
- A person who asks the tough—and empowering—questions.
- An ally who’s not afraid to call you out when you’re self-sabotaging.
I find that, when clients have someone walking with them, the scary stuff feels less daunting—and sticking with new habits and staying positive becomes a whole lot easier.
How Accountability Moves You From Stuck to Steady
It’s easy to let goals slip when no one’s looking. But when you know someone is going to ask, “How did it go this week?”, you suddenly have an extra nudge.
Accountability isn’t about making you feel guilty.
At its best, it’s about celebrating wins, troubleshooting obstacles in life, and keeping your momentum alive. A regular check-in can turn wishful thinking into real change.
If you’re curious about what coaching might look like, here’s a look at what you can expect in your first week of coaching.
Book a Free Coaching Call and Start Moving Again
Want to take more action on your goals? Book a complimentary Strategy Session.
- I’ll review your current life obstacles and where you’re aiming to go.
- You’ll get personalized tips to help you break through your current roadblocks.
- No pressure—just a real conversation about what forward could look like for you.
Book a complimentary call and let’s see if we’re a good fit. Sometimes the bravest step is just reaching out.
Take Action—One Small Step at a Time
Obstacles in life are part of the journey, not the end. Don’t let them convince you to shrink back or give up on yourself. Every step counts, no matter how small or uncertain.
Give yourself grace for where you are, courage for what’s next, and support—because no one gets there alone.
I’ve seen firsthand how momentum builds, one action at a time. Don’t overcomplicate it. Choose your next step, and let’s start walking together.
You’re not stuck forever. And you don’t have to do it all at once.
Let’s move forward—one step at a time.
