You want to move forward. Maybe it’s a new project, a personal goal, or just feeling like “you” again. But something keeps getting in the way, and you can’t quite put your finger on it.
Before you start hustling harder or signing up for another productivity app, it’s worth asking: What exactly is in my way?
Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs start with slowing down and getting honest.
Also Read: Rest is Not Failure
Get Clear on What’s Blocking You
This might sound obvious, but here’s the truth: many of us try to overcome obstacles we haven’t actually named yet. We just feel stuck, overwhelmed, unmotivated, or constantly second-guessing ourselves.
That’s why the first (and often most powerful) move is simply identifying what’s holding you back.
📝 Grab a pen. Ask yourself:
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“What’s really getting in my way right now?”
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“What do I keep avoiding?”
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“What fears or patterns pop up when I try to move forward?”
Write it out, no filter. You might be surprised by what surfaces.
Look for the Hidden Patterns
Still not sure? Start paying attention to your habits. Do you always stall at the same point in a project? Do you avoid asking for help, even when you need it? These repeat patterns often point directly to deeper internal blocks. Things like perfectionism, fear of judgment, or not believing you’re “ready yet.”
These aren’t character flaws. They’re human. And once you can name them, you can start shifting them.
Not All Obstacles Are Created Equal
Understanding what is blocking you is powerful but understanding why is where the magic happens.
Let’s break it down:
💭 Internal vs. External Obstacles
Some blocks come from the outside, lack of time, money, or support. Others come from within: fear, self-doubt, or that old voice that says, “Who do you think you are?”
Spoiler: Both are valid. And both can be worked with.
🔍 Real vs. Perceived Blocks
Some obstacles are concrete. If you can’t afford tuition right now, that’s real. But others are trickier, like believing you’re not smart or talented enough.
Those are perceived blocks. And while they feel just as real, they’re often based on outdated beliefs, not facts.
Also Read: How to Turn Your Obstacles into Opportunities
You Can Move Past This
Here’s the part most people forget: Obstacles aren’t stop signs. They’re just signals. With the right tools and mindset, they can become stepping stones.
Try this:
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✅ Break the big scary goal into micro-steps.
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🧠 Challenge that limiting belief: “Is this true, or just familiar?”
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🤝 Ask for support: from a mentor, coach, or trusted friend.
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🔁 Adjust your approach instead of giving up.
Obstacles Aren’t the End. They’re the Beginning.
Getting clear on what’s holding you back doesn’t make you weak, it makes you strategic. You can’t shift what you can’t see. But once you do see it? You get your power back.
So the next time you feel stuck, don’t push harder right away. Pause. Reflect. Ask yourself: What’s actually going on here?
Then take one small, brave step forward. Just one.
Because that’s how momentum starts and how breakthroughs begin.
You’ve got this. Even if it’s messy. Especially if it’s messy.
Need help making sense of your obstacles? We can create a journaling prompt guide or inner critic decoder if that sounds helpful. Learn more about Good Mood Circle here.
Written by Jin How
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