Internal obstacles: What they are and how to overcome them
- Madeline Curtis
- 3 hours ago
- 6 min read
Hurdling has always been a sport that fascinates me. Not only are athletes required to run incredibly fast–an impressive feat in and of itself–but they also must jump clean over a hurdle that’s over three feet tall. The timing and coordination that goes into such an activity is nothing short of incredible. Yet, when reflecting on the ups and downs of our life journeys, it’s clear that overcoming hurdles is not a task left only to athletes.
Though most of us are not track and field stars, we still face obstacles in our day-to-day lives. Often when we think of obstacles, our minds jump to external roadblocks–finances, lack of resources, time constraints, or competing demands, to name a few. But some of the most daunting barriers we face are those that come from within. These internal obstacles live within us and can sabotage our progress more than external obstacles.
What are internal obstacles?
Internal obstacles are the self-imposed barriers that stand in between us and our goals. These obstacles come in many forms: self-doubt, procrastination, fear of failure, or even perfectionism. Internal obstacles are the hidden hurdles that shape the way we think, act, and feel. Often, internal obstacles can affect us without our knowledge. That’s why they’re so detrimental to growth and success.
The good news is that internal obstacles don’t have to be permanent. They may be getting in the way of your goals now, but with the right mindset and actions you can overcome and even avoid dreaded internal hurdles.
To help, we’ve compiled our top 7 tips for overcoming these internal obstacles.
7 Tips for overcoming internal obstacles
1. Reflect on where you are
As J.R.R. Tolkien once said, “You step into the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.” An important aspect of any journey—particularly when facing internal roadblocks—is reflection. It’s hard to adequately judge where you need to be if you don’t know where you are. So, the first step to overcoming these self-imposed barriers is to recognize exactly where you are in relation to your goals. Are you still on the path, or have you been knocked aside by internal obstacles? How far are you from where you ought to be? Simply, where are you?
2. Name it and claim it
The best way to overcome and further avoid internal obstacles is to recognize them for what they are. We name it, claim it, and face it. Take a look at your habits, thoughts, and tendencies when pursuing a goal. Do you tend to grow weary when the growth journey gets tough? Do you look for excuses to abandon a goal, welcoming external obstacles as a ‘way out’? Or maybe you’re too hard on yourself, falling prey to negative self-talk anytime you make progress? Recognize these patterns for what they are–internal obstacles. Once you’re aware of the habit or thought pattern, it’s much easier to combat. Take a moment to think about what your internal obstacles may be. How are you self-sabotaging your goal achievement? Identify the internal obstacles, accept them for what they are, and prepare yourself to face them.
3. Reconstruct your goals
It could be that the reason your internal obstacles are working overtime is because the goals you’ve set aren’t right. Goals that are too obscure, immeasurable, or outside of your talent wheelhouse are typically unattainable. If you’re feeling pressure from within, try reevaluating the goals you’ve set. Are your goals practical? Are they quantifiable? Are they really even possible? The kinds of goals we set matter. If you’re struggling to overcome or avoid internal obstacles, try re-framing your goals.
Once you’ve crafted more actionable goals, consider reconstructing your action plan. Large goals, for instance, often leave us feeling at a loss and not knowing where to start. This overwhelm can fuel self-doubt and procrastination. Try breaking large goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. Remember to take monthly or quarterly audits of your goal achievement journey. Check where you are and where you should be.
4. Cut negative self-talk, keep self-compassion
Our inner critic can be louder than any external naysayers. Not only does negative self-talk create inner turmoil, but it also gives way to a number of internal obstacles that can be terribly detrimental. On the other hand, positive self-talk combats and helps us avoid inner hurdles. Studies have also shown that those who deliberately seek to think and speak positively often experience increased life spans, decreased symptoms or feelings of anxiety and depression, and an overall higher quality of life. Magnifying problems, blaming oneself, and seeking or expecting perfection are all obstacles that result from negative self-talk. If you often fall into the trap of negative self-talk, try intentionally pushing positive self-talk and thoughts for the day.
Along with positive self-talk, it’s important to practice self-compassion. Internal obstacles often thrive on harsh self-criticism. Treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you’d give a close friend in your position. Would you criticize a loved one the same way you criticize yourself? Self-compassion fuels resilience, motivation, and emotional balance when challenges arise and is a key to jumping the inner hurdles we all face.
5. Let go of habits holding you back
Our internal obstacles can thrive on habits that don’t fit our goals. Success is often a byproduct of our daily habits. In fact, studies have shown that a whopping 43% of our daily actions are habitual and can actually be the ‘make-or-break’ element on our success journey. When we hold on to habits that used to work, that work for others, or that simply don’t serve us now, we stunt our own growth. That’s why it’s imperative we ditch the habits that hold us back.
Building positive habits is just as important as ditching the negative ones. A routine that minimizes friction and centers around mindful habits is key. Try crafting a schedule that works to combat negative habits and internal obstacles. Struggle with procrastination? Schedule active work time each day for difficult or time-sensitive projects. Are you easily distracted? Incorporate micro-breaks into your day to boost your performance and fight off distractions.
6. Seek support and accountability
You don’t have to tackle internal obstacles alone. The right support system can keep you on track and encourages accountability. Share your goals with a trusted mentor, coach, or accountability partner. Explain how your internal obstacles typically manifest themselves and what that looks like for your goal achievement. Talking through these challenges often provides a new perspective on issues. What’s more, the support of someone you trust can yield new, innovative strategies to push forward.
While a good support system can drive accountability externally, it must come from within. Strive to hold yourself to your new action plan. Schedule a regular reflection period each week or month where you evaluate what’s worked and what hasn’t. Check in with your internal obstacles. Have any reared their ugly head lately? Are you doing what you can to minimize self-sabotage?
7. Commit to seeking help on your journey
Sometimes, even with the greatest of support systems, we still need a little push–someone trained to help you eliminate any perceived constraints and reframe your thinking. While a mentor or accountability partner is invaluable, what you may need is a coach. The right coach will help you discover, articulate, and clarify your vision—help you align your efforts to realize your vision. The right coach will encourage you to attain greater self-awareness, discover realistic solutions to internal and external obstacles, and become comfortable with being accountable for your growth. Ready to commit to your journey–and yourself? Consider leadership coaching.
Read: Do you need a coach?
Internal obstacles may be irritating, but they’re not insurmountable. They can only hold you back if you allow them to. By naming them, reshaping your mindset, and building solid support systems, you can begin to clear an inner path to your goals. Though internal obstacles can be the hardest to overcome, growth begins when you decide not to let what’s inside hold you back.
For those ready and determined to push forward on the path to success, consider downloading our complimentary e-book, “The Path to Success”. Backed by the latest research and loaded with insights from over 30 years’ experience, this ebook arms you with the information you need to craft actionable goals and see them through. Looking for a more hands-on guide to goal achievement and leadership? Explore our free, downloadable resources today.
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