From WOLF to ALPHA: Obstacles

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals.” Henry Ford

“What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?” If you dive into this paradox a bit further, you will find that if one exists, the other simply cannot. Now, I want you to imagine yourself as an unstoppable force, primed for success and glory, and the obstacles that you once perceived as immovable or unsurmountable, are simply lessons you have yet to learn on your journey to becoming an ALPHA. Stage two of the “WOLF to ALPHA” process is about identifying Obstacles and acknowledging the inner strength we already possess, and triumphs in your life up to this point, that you likely, have overlooked. Take a look at the link below for more on this paradox. https://www.scienceabc.com/eyeopeners/irresistible-force-paradox-quote-solution-fanfiction-examples.html

Obstacles are real, both in the mind and in the physical world, but how you view and handle them is entirely up to you. For example, my sister Pamela was born blind, which makes many of a growing child’s expected milestones, like learning to walk, read, and navigate her environment at school and home, inherently more difficult. My sister had every right to complain about her circumstances, to proclaim that the obstacles she faced were unfair and impassable and play victim to the hand in life she was dealt. As you might expect given the context of the article up to this point, she did the exact opposite, in fact, my sister has NEVER complained about being born blind. Since being born just a few ounces over 2 pounds, she has faced and overcome countless obstacles, and today, is an avid reader and writer, singer and musical intellect, and quite simply, is the sweetest person I have met during my time on Earth. This is no surprise, as the origin of her name, Pamela, can be interpreted as “sweetness” or “honey.”

We cannot control the family or circumstances we are born into, nor can we avoid the inevitable obstacles and challenges that life puts, either gently or by force, at our feet. We can, however, choose how we view these obstacles, and our approach for moving forwards and through them. The legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once said, “It is not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” Setbacks and hard times are inevitable for every person who draws breath, so take solace in knowing that no matter how hard your life seems now, there are countless others facing similar, if not more difficult situations. Many of humanities most successful people, had to persevere through great adversity to achieve the heights, their ALPHA states. J.K. Rowling, esteemed author of the Harry Potter Series, faced great hardship, and in just a few years, transformed her life from poor, single, struggling mother to one of the most successful authors of all time. Bethany Hamilton, at just 13 years old, had her arm taken by a shark while surfing. Instead of giving up her passion, in just two years time, she won the Explorer Women’s Division of the NSSA National Championships. Both of these individuals met life head on, and through grit and determination, succeeded. Prevailing over our obstacles, no matter how small or vast, builds resiliency, and forges an inner strength and understanding that you can, if you try, and you will, if you never surrender or waiver.

Activity: Triumph Timeline

Obstacles are a part of daily life, and they come in all shapes and sizes. With the right approach and attitude, you can tame any beast that crosses your path. Take a look at the activity below, entitled “Triumphs Timeline.”

Obstacles are really just lessons waiting to be learned, and opportunities for growth. If you can learn to look at challenges from this perspective, then you are well on your way to becoming an ALPHA! Do not waste your time and energy finding excuses for the current state of your life, use your past victories, and newly defined perspective to find solutions and actionable steps to leap over any hurdle in your way. Stay tuned for my next post on Limiting beliefs as part of the “WOLF to ALPHA” program.

“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know there is something inside you greater that is greater than any obstacle.” Christian Larson.

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Man With a Plan