ComputerHunter.org

 

3 Ways to Change Roadblocks into Valuable Tools


Our initial reaction when hitting a setback or a "roadblock, whether it be during an important project or even just trying to finish a task, is usually one of frustration or the thoughts of "Why does this always happen to me?" or "why doesn't anything ever work for me?". Roadblocks can be valuable though. Here's how:

  • Roadblocks can be an indication that we need to stop and take a step back in order to look at the big picture. Take the time to re-affirm the original goal and see if you're still on the right track or if you've somehow gone down a path you never intended to in the first place. Sometimes, we get so caught up in dealing with the day to day issues that we don't realize that we are now suddenly somewhere we didn't plan on going. Take the time to re-focus on where you want to go and you may find that you've just saved yourself a lot of time and trouble on something you don't want to be involved with anyway.
  • Roadblocks can also be an excellent opportunity to brainstorm. Maybe when the plan was created in the beginning, all of the potential options weren't considered. There may be far more efficient or cost effective opportunities available if you take the time to do some research.

    For example: say you want to publish a "How to" book. You get it all set up and then find out that it's going to be too expensive to get it printed. You could just give up on the idea or you could brainstorm. For example:

    - could you create an e-book instead?

    - could you print it off yourself?

    - could you simply alter things to make it cheaper (ie. Less colour pictures, use only 2 colours, etc.)?

    - could you find a technical college which may be willing to do this cheaper as students would be working on it?

    - would it be better as a web site?

  • The benefits of brainstorming like this is you may figure out a far better idea than the one you had originally. You may end up really glad that you didn't go with the original plan.

  • Sometimes, running into roadblocks can also be a sign that you're drained and just need a break. You may find that after you've taken the time to re-charge your batteries and regained your enthusiasm, the roadblocks seem to just disappear on their own.
  • If you can think of your roadblocks as a challenge then you avoid falling into the victim trap. Your confidence to achieve your goal will increase as you know it can be done. You just need to figure out if there's a better way. Think of them as "silver linings" and you'll be amazed at what ideas you suddenly come up with. Your goal may suddenly become closer than you thought and be an even greater achievement and all because you knew a roadblock could be a really valuable tool. You just needed to know how to use them.

    Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

    Catherine Pratt 2005

    For more articles and tips on how to build self confidence in your personal and work relationships, visit Life With Confidence







    Google News - Top Stories

    Thanh Nien Daily

    Bush: Olympic boycott would insult Chinese
    CNN - 1 hour ago
    TOYAKO, Japan (CNN) -- US President George W. Bush has defended his decision to attend next month's Olympics opening ceremony in Beijing, saying that to do otherwise "would be an affront to the Chinese people.
    Protests smothered as leaders arrive for G8 summit in Japan guardian.co.uk
    Bush tells Japan he won't ignore North Korean abductions of ... International Herald Tribune
    The Associated Press - KXMC - In-Forum - Reuters UK
    all 518 news articles


    BBC News

    Crews forge progress against California fires
    CNN International - 5 hours ago
    SANTA BARBARA, California (CNN) -- Authorities overseeing the battle against hundreds of wildfires in California had a mixed assessment as the weather forecast for Sunday stirred both hope and concern across the state.
    Firefighters report progress in California blazes AFP
    'Critical day' for growing Goleta fire; Big Sur blaze only 5 ... Los Angeles Times
    Reuters - Fort Worth Star Telegram - BBC News - Bloomberg
    all 880 news articles


    Times Online

    Betancourt returning to Colombia 'in a few days' to write play
    AFP - 3 hours ago
    PARIS (AFP) - Former hostage Ingrid Betancourt said in an interview Sunday she would return to Colombia "in a few days" to write a play about her experience after being held in the jungle for six years.
    Betancourt returning to Colombia soon to write play ABC Online
    Analysis: Colombia's Uribe rides high after rescue The Associated Press
    International Herald Tribune - Xinhua - PRESS TV - Reuters
    all 4,563 news articles


    Reuters

    Obama "puzzled" by Iraq comment frenzy
    Reuters - 6 hours ago
    By John Whitesides, Political Correspondent ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said on Saturday his plan to end the Iraq war was unchanged and he was puzzled by the sharp reaction to his statement this week that he ...
    Obama Refines the Blame on Iraq Miscue New York Times
    Veterans’ Group Critical of Obama Plans Costly Ad Campaign FOXNews
    Voice of America - Washington Times - The Associated Press - New York Daily News
    all 1,851 news articles


    Times Online

    Mugabe discusses crisis with South Africa's Mbeki
    Los Angeles Times - 4 hours ago
    HARARE, ZIMBABWE -- South African President Thabo Mbeki met Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Saturday to try to help end a political crisis after a violent election that extended Mugabe's 28-year rule.
    SAfrica's Mbeki meets Zimbabwe's Mugabe Reuters
    South African President Meets with Mugabe Voice of America
    International Herald Tribune - guardian.co.uk - United Press International
    all 738 news articles

    Google
     

    Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base