Successful Keys to Overcoming Obstacles in Life

Why oh why are we faced with  overcoming obstacles in life? I believe that challenges are an important part of growth in this lifetime.  We learn so much when trials happen. There’s great value there and we must recognize it when it happens. But how do we get through it??

Strategies to overcoming obstacles in life

So what must we do to overcome obstacles in life?  I’ve come to the conclusion that there are several things necessary in order to move past your challenges successfully.

Trust God

First, you must trust God.  We may never know, this side of Heaven, why hard times fall on good people.  But if we trust God’s Word, Romans 8:28 KJV tells us “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”  That scripture tells us that God has a plan. Our goal is to stay within the will of our Lord, right? So “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV. Easy peasy, right? I know that faith is a tough thing to hang on to all day, every day, but when you’re feeling yourself slipping away, simply redirect.  Turn your eyes upon Jesus and let him strengthen you. If you need help, How to Grow your Faith in God is a great start. But if you ever wonder where God is in your suffering, my friend, Erin from Lullaby Lark wrote Sometimes We’re Meant to be Broken.  Please take the time to read it.

Accept your situation

Sometimes, you don’t have a choice in the matter.  Your situation is what it is. For instance, nothing is going to change the fact that I don’t have hands. I just needed to accept that fact, face it and move on.  Oh sure, that particular fact tortured me for a good long time. Unfortunately, I let it go far longer than I should have. But once I accepted that my hands were gone, I was able to dig into the actual things that I CAN do, rather than focus on what I can’t do.

How did I move on?  By finding solutions to my problem!  In my particular situation, inspiring others was a huge aspect to my growth.  Once I owned up to my God-blessed calling, I dug in with both prosthetic heels and went to work.  So, find out what you need to do to move past your road block and get to work. Also know that if God is calling you to do something, you’re not doing yourself or anybody else any favors by dragging your feet. Get busy, my friend!

Practice gratitude

What does gratitude have to do with overcoming obstacles in life?   Well, first of all, we determined that we have to trust God. So if we trust God, and He has allowed this challenge to fall into our lives, then we should probably thank Him for it.  Trials in our lives are growth periods for us. It’s our job to figure out what our lesson is, from each trial.

It’s not just the challenge that we should show gratitude for, but every single thing in our life.  We are blessed in so many ways, every single day. If you haven’t gotten into the habit of keeping a gratitude journal yet, it’s a great idea.  Happy people are thankful people. Happiness is a great indicator that you are successful in overcoming obstacles in life. It’s a great idea to keep a gratitude journal and list three things that you’re thankful for each day. If you need some help with gratitude prompts, grab the above gratitude calendar and head on over to Gratitude from A to Z: Things to be Thankful for. There is even a printable to help you get started.In light of all of the struggles we face, I have used several successful keys that will help you to overcome obstacles in life. Don't let obstacles overcome you, fight back! Share on X

Cut your losses and move on

Sometimes, you just cannot accomplish your goal.  Rather than fighting and facing discouragement, it is probably best to seek a new goal and move on.  As a wife and mom, it’s always been my duty to cook for our family. I loved baking on cooler days or when the urge for something gooey would hit. But when I lost my hands, no amount of improvisation would enable me to create a home-cooked meal for my family.  Thankfully, I always taught my kids to cook. So when I could no longer do it, my husband and kids took over in the kitchen.

Cooking and baking are the two things in my life that I miss the most.  I can barely stir a pot. It saddens me every time. But I had to realize that I am no longer able to do that.  Now that my husband and I are empty nesters, he works all day long and then comes home to prepare dinner. We both hate that that burden has been placed on him.  But, there’s no use getting worked up over it. We are both thankful I’m alive. We are accepting the situation and moving on. So if you want to be successful at overcoming obstacles in life, you must move on too.

Seek comfort in your tribe

We all need support.  Support is important, not just in overcoming obstacles in life, but in everything that we do.  How much do we love that our family and friends rally around us when we are down? There’s nothing that I love better than spending time with my family.  But when I’m really hurting, they are a critical resource. Our community reminds us how important we are. They distract us when we’re having a pity party.  They celebrate with us when we succeed. Our family cries with us, when you just need a good cry. And what about that hug you get, just at the right time?

Our friends and family provide the love and support that we need, every time we need it.  When I was first diagnosed and in a coma, my family, church family and friends across the nation came together to pray for my healing and for the strength of my family.  People I had never met prayed for me. My husband and children needed those prayers. I needed those prayers. But God! Yes, our great and wonderful God answered those prayers.  Did I need so many people praying? I don’t know. I’m just thankful for the community that came together.

Focus on the positive

When you’re struggling with overcoming obstacles in life, the last thing you need is negativity.  It is so very important to focus on the positive. Find the good in every situation. Look for the silver lining.  Be the optimistic person in the room. Show others how strong you are.

When you are pessimistic and negative, you bring everybody down around you.  What kind of example does that set? If you need help with optimism, check out my 30-Day Positivity Challenge.  My personal goal is to be a light when others are down. Jesus tells us not to hide our light under a bushel. You cannot be a great witness for Christ if you’re negative all the time.  So choose optimism and positivity.

I hope you found value in these successful keys for overcoming obstacles in life.   If you need more tips and ideas, check out these 26 Powerful and Effective Tips for Overcoming Hardships.  The bottom line is, you don’t have to be stuck carrying a burden of negative challenges around with you. Either you overcome your challenges or you let your challenges overcome you.  The choice is yours! Choose wisely!

For an additional resource, you may be interested in an ebook that I wrote myself called Victory Over Affliction:  30 Mindset Challenges to Motivate You.  It’s a 30-day devotional that starts with a quote, then I include my perspective on that quote on how you can apply it to your life to live every day, inspired.  You will love it!