Phil Harrison Coaching

A few days ago I was driving my truck (yes, that is a picture of my big red truck) south in a rural area near my home, and about a half mile ahead of me I could see something on the road. I slowed down and really began to focus on the object. I started to note the size of the object and its location within my path. I thought about the size of my truck and whether or not I could safely go around the object in the road, and I started making plans to use other roads to navigate around the object. Finally, I was able to fully see that some branches had fallen off of a tree trimmer truck, and I chose to turn onto a side road to get around it. 

For those of us who drive regularly, this experience is rather common, and it doesn’t cause us much angst. However, when we set big goals and chase big dreams, obstacles somehow seem larger and invoke a greater emotional response. It doesn’t have to be this way in every situation. If we apply the same kind of process we use to get around road hazards while driving to the obstacles to our goals, we can successfully navigate. Here are the steps: 

1. Look forward. The only way to move forward is to look forward. Maintain that forward focus toward your goal and move that direction. 
2. See the obstacle. The things that stand between you and your goal are real. See them for what they are. Acknowledge that they exist. 
3. Slow down. When an obstacle appears, release the accelerator a little bit, so that you have time to prepare for what is ahead. 
4. Evaluate what you have. Know what you already have available to meet the obstacle. Use the resources and networks you’ve already developed to help navigate. 
5. Look for options. There are usually opportunities to move around the obstacle. Sure, it may slow your progress toward your goal some, but it won’t stop you completely. 
6. Take action. Once you know your options, make a choice and act. You will continue to move forward, and you will arrive at your destination. 

As you set goals and begin to move toward them, know that you will have some obstacles in your path. Using these six steps and working with a good coach can help you successfully navigate the road.