“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” — Henry Ford
Are you ready to dream bigger, better, and deeper?
For over 20 years, I have had the privilege of helping individuals like you unlock their potential and achieve extraordinary goals. As a leader, high achiever, mentor, and high-performance coach at Microsoft, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of structured approaches and proven practices.
Throughout my journey, I have honed my skills in guiding individuals to stretch beyond their perceived limits and reach new heights of success. I understand the challenges and obstacles that can hold us back from realizing our true potential.
But I also know that with the right mindset, strategies, and support, incredible achievements become within our grasp.
What’s holding you back from achieving your greatest goals?
That’s actually a great place to start.
You can use what’s holding you back as a way to plot out your path and find your way forward.
Your obstacles can serve as your mini-goals to help you reach your bigger goals.
With that in mind, let’s dive in…
How Brian Bracy Helps Anyone Achieve Any Goal
Your obstacle is your launch point for bigger, better, bolder goals.
In the book, Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want — Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible, Brian Tracy shares how you can use your obstacles to achieve any of the goals you set and achieve your ultimate success.
In this way, the obstacle is the goal.
1. Define the Obstacle as a Goal
The idea behind “Define the Obstacle as a Goal” is to reframe the challenges or obstacles in a positive and actionable way. Instead of focusing on the barriers or limitations, the emphasis is shifted towards envisioning and pursuing a desired outcome.
What’s holding you back is what helps you get ahead.
Tracy writes:
“Once you have determined the major obstacle that is holding you back, rewrite that obstacle as a positive goal. For example, you could now say, ‘My goal is to continually upgrade my skills and abilities so that I am in the top 10 percent of money earners in my field.’”
In this context, Tracy suggests identifying the major obstacle that is hindering progress or success.
Once identified, the next step is to rephrase that obstacle as a positive goal. By doing so, you can shift your mindset from dwelling on the problem to focusing on the solution and desired outcome.
For example, if someone feels their lack of skills and abilities is holding them back, they can reframe it as a positive goal by stating, “My goal is to continually upgrade my skills and abilities so that I am in the top 10 percent of money earners in my field.”
This reframing allows them to see the obstacle as an opportunity for growth and motivates them to take specific actions to overcome it.
By defining the obstacle as a goal, you can channel your energy and efforts towards addressing and surpassing the obstacle, ultimately leading to personal and professional advancement. It encourages a proactive and optimistic mindset, fostering determination and resilience in the face of challenges.
2. Make a List of All the Steps
Break the challenge before you down into a simple list of actions. That’s your map for the road ahead.
Tracy writes:
“You then make a list of all the steps that you could take to upgrade your knowledge and skills, improve your time management, increase your efficiency and effectiveness, and make more sales for your company.
Then set deadlines and measures for each step. Select one key task and take action on it immediately.”
The concept behind “Make a List of All the Steps” is to break down a complex challenge or goal into smaller, actionable steps. By creating a comprehensive list of tasks, you can gain clarity and create a roadmap for achieving your objective.
Tracy suggests starting by identifying the specific areas that need improvement or actions that need to be taken. For example, in the context of upgrading knowledge and skills, improving time management, increasing efficiency and effectiveness, and boosting sales, each of these areas can be broken down into individual steps.
Once the steps are identified, Tracy advises setting deadlines and measurable targets for each step. This helps create a sense of urgency and accountability. Deadlines provide a timeline for completion, while measures enable progress tracking and evaluation.
After creating the list and setting deadlines, Tracy emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action on one key task. By initiating action right away, you can build momentum, overcome inertia, and begin making tangible progress towards your goal.
By making a list of all the steps and setting clear deadlines and measures, you gain a sense of structure and direction. This approach increases focus, minimizes overwhelm, and provides a clear roadmap for navigating the path ahead.
It transforms a seemingly daunting challenge into a series of manageable and actionable tasks, ultimately increasing the likelihood of your success.
3. Hold Your Own Feet to the Fire
It’s your goal. It’s your challenge. It’s your map. It’s your actions. Now it’s up to you.
Tracy writes:
“From then on, hold your own feet to the fire. Become your own taskmaster. Discipline and drive yourself to do what you must do to achieve the goals you have set.”
The idea behind “Hold Your Own Feet to the Fire” is to take personal responsibility for achieving the goals and meeting the challenges that have been set. It emphasizes self-accountability, discipline, and self-motivation.
Tracy emphasizes that once you have identified your goals, created a plan of action, and set deadlines for each step, the onus is on you to follow through and execute the necessary tasks.
There is no one else to hold you accountable but yourself.
To “hold your own feet to the fire” means to become your own taskmaster and adopt a disciplined mindset. It involves cultivating self-discipline and internal motivation to stay committed and focused on taking the necessary actions to achieve the desired outcomes.
By taking ownership of the goals and challenges, individuals are encouraged to push themselves, overcome obstacles, and stay on track even when faced with difficulties or distractions. It requires maintaining a strong sense of determination, resilience, and perseverance.
Holding your own feet to the fire implies being honest with yourself, acknowledging your responsibilities, and consistently pushing yourself to meet the expectations and targets you have set. It involves developing a strong work ethic, embracing self-discipline, and taking personal accountability for your own success.
Ultimately, by being your own taskmaster and driving yourself to take the required actions, you empower yourself to make progress, achieve goals, and fulfill your potential. It’s a mindset that fosters personal growth, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment.
This Puts You Back in Control
This is how you take your power back and empower yourself with skill. And that’s how you guarantee your success.
Tracy writes:
“This exercise of identifying what is holding you back and then setting a clear, written goal to remove that obstacle puts you back in control of your own life.
By following through on your resolution, you virtually guarantee your ultimate success and the achievement of almost any goal you set.”
The statement “This Puts You Back in Control” emphasizes the idea that by identifying and addressing the obstacles holding you back, you regain control over your life and your outcomes. It is a powerful way to empower yourself and ensure your success.
Tracy suggests that the process of identifying the obstacles, setting clear, written goals to overcome them, and taking action puts you in the driver’s seat of your own life. It allows you to take ownership and responsibility for your circumstances and actively work towards positive change.
By taking control, you become proactive rather than reactive. You are no longer at the mercy of external factors or limitations, but rather actively working towards achieving your goals and creating the life you desire.
Furthermore, Tracy highlights that by following through on your resolution and staying committed to the actions necessary to remove obstacles, you significantly increase the likelihood of achieving success.
The act of setting clear goals and taking consistent action creates a path towards your desired outcomes.
When you are in control and actively working towards your goals, you are empowered with the skills, mindset, and determination needed to overcome challenges and achieve almost any goal you set. It instills a sense of confidence and self-belief in your ability to shape your own future.
By embracing this approach, you become the architect of your own success, capable of transcending limitations, and living a fulfilling and purposeful life.
Your Potential Knows No Bounds
Achieving any goal requires a combination of clarity, commitment, and consistent action. It begins with defining your goal and understanding the obstacles that may stand in your way.
With a clear vision and a plan of action, you can break down the goal into manageable steps and set measurable targets.
To achieve your goal, you must hold yourself accountable and stay disciplined. Embrace the mindset of self-motivation and become your own taskmaster.
Stay focused, persevere through challenges, and maintain unwavering determination.
Additionally, seek support and surround yourself with a network of like-minded individuals who can provide encouragement and guidance along the way. Celebrate small victories and learn from setbacks, using them as stepping stones towards growth and improvement.
Remember, success is not achieved overnight. It is the result of consistent effort and a resilient attitude. Stay committed to your goal, adapt as necessary, and never lose sight of your vision. Each step forward brings you closer to your desired outcome.
So, dare to dream big, set ambitious goals, and embark on the journey towards their realization.
Believe in yourself and harness your inner strength. You have the power to achieve any goal you set your mind to. Embrace the challenge, take action, and make your dreams a reality.
Your potential knows no bounds.
What’s holding you back?
Here’s to unstoppable you.
You Might Also Like
How Tos
Brian Tracy on the Best Times for Writing and Reviewing Your Goals
Focus on the Wildly Important
How To Set Better Goals with Well-Defined Outcomes
The Exponential Results Formula
Zig Ziglar on Setting Goals
Brian Tracy on the Best Times for Writing and Reviewing Your Goals