Full Speed Ahead

Taking the time to identify and eliminate your barriers and obstacles could be one of the smartest uses of your time when preparing for your next major event.

Unfortunately, it can be easy for our minds to focus on the barriers and obstacles more than the plan or programme to get there. Whether we realise it or not, this impacts negatively on our motivation and belief to succeed.

Consideration a jet airplane. It burns much of its fuel during take off. Once it reaches its cruising altitude, it flies almost effortlessly. Although it might encounter some turbulence along the way, it just keeps heading for its pre-defined destination.

The first steps towards your goals are often where you will encounter your greatest obstacles.

Following, are five common barriers to ‘cruising altitude’ to your goal destination.

BARRIER 1: ASSUMPTIONS
Are your assumptions excuses? Are you telling the truth? Do you use the word ‘but’ in relation to your goals? For example:
- I would love break 3 hours for marathon but at 45 years of age it is too late.
- would love to make a comeback and compete at the national level but my partner wouldn’t be supportive.

As the saying goes, whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t, you’re right. A chat with your partner, reviewing marathon results would provide some facts to make an informed decision or maybe that is what you are afraid of?

BARRIER 2: FEAR
What is the worst thing that could happen if you took action now?
It is probably not scary, dangerous fear that’s the issue, but rather the ‘fear of change’ or the ‘What if’ fear. For example:
- What if I invest in new equipment and the car needs repairing?
- What if I give up my job to train full time and I don’t make it?
Ask yourself, what is the cost of not taking that next step? Even if the outcome isn’t as you planned, you can always make changes. And, you will most likely benefit from the learning and personal growth that comes when you are prepared to back yourself, whatever the outcome.

BARRIER 3: MONEY
Is money an excuse or a genuine reason not to purse your goal? If your goal does require some financial power, there is a difference between not having money and not wanting to spend money. For example, you may decide that you cannot afford to upgrade your bike because you want to spend the money on a new bathroom. But what good is a new kitchen, if later in life your regret not pursuing your passion!? Ask yourself, what would be the cost to my future happiness of not investing in my goal?

BARRIER 4: LIMITING BELIEFS
Are you running a program in your head that supports your goals? What beliefs do you need to change? For example:
- You want to train for a major cycling event but believe that getting to your optimum racing weight will be very challenging.
- You believe that because you’re just new to the sport you couldn’t possibly break into the top 10 in your first year.
How can you succeed if your beliefs are not supportive of your goals? Examine your beliefs carefully. What are they? What beliefs would someone who succeeded in this area hold? What actions can you take to start to build your belief?

BARRIER 5: SETBACKS
How many setbacks would it take before you gave up? One, two, or more? One of the qualities of winner is they are people who are resilient and persistent. They know setbacks are part of the journey. When a setback does occur, they challenge their focus into eliminating it, not feeling overwhelming by the big picture.

If you were setting off on your annual holiday and you encountered a detour, would you turn back and cancel the holiday? I’m sure you would not. You would take the alternative route and become focused on arriving at your destination … sounds simple and it is!

BARRIER BUSTING STRATEGIES
1. Work backwards
Think of the outcome you want and work backwards detailing the action steps will need to take to get there. Use these to formulate your action plan.

2. Mentor yourself
Place yourself in the shoes of someone you admire. How would they deal with your obstacles? Use this information to design a strategy to move forward.

3. Build your character
What quality or characteristic could you develop to power through your barrier? For example, could you be more; courageous, confident, successful, talented? Picture and feel yourself acting like this person.

*Megan work’s as a Performance Coach. Visit her website for more information www.mindcoach.co.nz