The Obstacles Are Real

“An iceberg, sir.” -First Officer William Murdoch’s reply to Captain E.J. Smith’s question as to what the Titanic just struck

“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” -Marcus Aurelius

The greater the thing you’re trying to do or make, the greater the obstacles. They are real and should not be ignored. (Unless you want to go the Ostrich route.)

For any project, write down all the obstacles (You can also call them “limiting factors” if that helps you brainstorm. Examples might include time, job, money, health, etc…). Once you’ve exhausted your list and gotten granular, ask yourself three questions.

One…Can I overcome them?

Two…Do I want to try?

Three…Is NOW the best time for me to try? You might have legitimate priorities and commitments that will interfere with your ability to try. You’re not set up for success, and therefore will be miserable in the attempt.

If the answer to any of the above questions is no, then put this passion project on a back burner list. Save it for another time. Revisit in three, six, twelve months.

If you have a yes on all three questions (and you have a strong “why”), then you can start thinking about how to not just overcome the obstacles, but how they can become the way forward.

P.S. – “If it were easy, everyone would do it.”