There is no question that you will experience challenges when trying to reach goals…it’s very much a part of the journey as an entrepreneur. So given the unpredicability of life, it’s not a matter of “if” obstacles will come your way, it’s a question of “when.” The best way to get through these times is to be prepared for any situation that may be thrown your way.

Here are some tips to help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals:

1. Take a step back – this requires looking at the issue from an outsider point of view. Sometimes when you’re close and emotionally invested in the situation, it’s hard to think with a clear head. In many cases taking a broader view, reveals answers to the challenge.

2. Search for the silver lining – it’s easy to focus on what’s broken. Instead try seeking out the good that has come out of the situation. However, you have to be willing to look for it, as it’s not always present. If there’s only a speck of hopeful light in a grim situation, focus your attention on that hope.

3. Look for a new path – sometimes challenges will show you a new path or option to get you from where you are to where you want to be. Leave these doors open and see where life takes you… this “detour” may bring you to a better place than you ever expected

4. Stay flexible – although it’s important with any venture to begin with the end in mind, sometimes the best made plans or deadlines have to be altered in some way. Additionally give yourself adequate time to implement. This will help minimize pressure and frustration when confronted with the unexpected.

5. Seek solutions and take action -look at challenges as opportunities to take bold action toward your goal. The faster you jump into finding a solution, the faster you’ll be back on track to reaching your goals.

6. Allow yourself to make mistakes – if you are a recovering perfectionist like me, this tip may be hard to embrace. But give yourself permission to be human. So often, a great deal of learning comes about from mistakes.

7. Ask for help – hopefully you are not running your business as a one woman operation. If so, it’s time to retire the super women cape and recognize you can’t jump hurdles alone. You must have a support network in place so that you are not carrying the weight of “what goes wrong” on your shoulders. Asking for help and trusting others to help are critical.

8. Avoid blaming yourself or others – in many cases it’s not important whose at fault. The only thing that really matters is finding a beneficial solution to the problem, quickly and efficiently. Allow your network to brainstorm solutions with you so that resolve can be reached more quickly.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION:

- I accept my limitations and celebrate what I can do.

- I am determined to turn any event that happens to me into a lesson learned.

- I continue to run the race even when others around me give up.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:

Think about and answer these questions:

How can I turn a recent disappointment into useful learning experience?

Is there an old commitment I’ve abandoned?

What distractions can I eliminate in order to refocus my goals?