What is the biggest obstacle that keeps us from accomplishing our goals?

If we asked ourselves what is keeping me from accomplishing my goals, we would immediately see a few things in the way. We may instantly see or sense fear or resistance. Another factor may include believing, “I can’t!” By holding onto fear and resistance, or having beliefs stating I can’t, will definitely prevent us from accomplishing our goals. For every “I can’t!” belief that we are holding onto, you can be certain there is also an equal amount of beliefs stating “I won’t!” The phrases “I can’t” and “I won’t” are obstacles that will remain in place unless we release these limitations.

We have all conditioned ourselves to believe that the phrases “I can’t or I won’t” are helpful. In truth both phrases are disempowering. If we believe we can’t achieve something, we will maintain this platform and our goals will indefinitely remain unfulfilled. If we have decided we won’t do something, trust nothing outside of us can change this decision. Nothing positive is ever accomplished by holding onto limitations based in the realm of fear. Behind every “I can’t” or “I won’t” thought also includes some level of consequence that we attached; although we usually don’t remember having done this. Because we want to be right, or want to be safe, often results in a tendency to feel justified in believing that we can’t. So because of accepting the option of “I can’t,” we made an unconscious decision to settle on doing without, giving up, and continue holding onto frustration because we never learned to move beyond these obstacles.

Using goals to move beyond limitations is a skillful and powerful way to let go of fear and resistance. In releasing limiting beliefs such as “I can’t or I won’t” helps us to see what we are holding in mind. In truth, every “Yes-but” is really a “NO!” Check this out for yourself. What is holding you back from accomplishing your goals? Hopefully you recognize that whatever excuse(s) that came to mind, are simply thoughts made at a previous time. In reality, we hold ourselves back because we are afraid to succeed. Perhaps now is a good time to begin looking beyond fear-based realities and begin challenging ourselves to move forward in a positive manner.

If we can positively think of what we would like to have, we can accomplish acquiring that object or experience. Begin by giving yourself permission to have, do, or be anything, as there are no impossibles. Notice what is coming up for you. Are you finding yourself stepping out of your comfort zone joyfully or are you noticing excuses, fear or resistance coming up to the surface? Usually when we are tired of hearing our own limiting excuses, we may step up and eventually decide ENOUGH -- and begin doing things in a different way. Instead of waiting for some indefinite time in the future to overcome obstacles, why not decide that you are going to achieve your goals on a regular and consistent basis.

By looking at our goals more closely is giving us permission to succeed. Let’s begin by considering the various components of the goal. First of all we need to decide what we would like to accomplish. By allowing ourselves to have… to achieve… to positively resolve… is the beginning of constructing a positive goal statement. We then identify the goal segment such as weighing our ideal weight…, having the perfect job…, or positively resolving issues with a person or situation that we are in conflict with. It is also important to include an appropriate time frame for the goal to be accomplished. Also remember to keep goals short and precise.

The biggest obstacle keeping us from obtaining our goals is focusing our energy on having, achieving, and acquiring the object or experience that we would like to have or not have. The next obstacle includes allotting time on knocking out the limitations. If goals aren’t coming into our reality, it is simply for one reason -- we are avoiding working on the goals process. Each time we let go of limitations, we get to experience ourselves in a calmer and more joyful way. Why not decide to have the entire pie of goodness that is available to you, instead of settling on having only a small piece? Give yourself permission to achieve all of your goals. No more excuses.