ABC’S of Life – H for Hindrances

Hindrances

24 Obstacles In Life & How To Overcome Them (thelifevirtue.com)

Science Says Only 8 Percent of People Actually Achieve Their Goals. Here Are 7 Things They Do Differently | Inc.com

I write about this because many of us have goals, but most do not reach them. According to an article written by Marcel Scwantes, he says 92% of people who set New Year’s Goals never actually achieve them. He has six reasons why only 8% are achieving their goals.

I have at least 3 personal reasons.

Hi, we are working with the letter H this week. 

The purpose of this journal

It is to inspire, motivate, and encourage you, hopefully.

Many roads can lead to peace. Sometimes we need to take it day by day, peace by peace. I want to share stories and see how other people are making their peace journey, and who knows, we may be able to incorporate some of the ideas into our lives.

So, let us begin.

Common Hindrances to Achieving Your Goals and How to Overcome Them

Hindrance is a thing that provides resistance or delay to something or someone.

Goals are defined as the object of a person’s ambition or effort.

Overcome is defined as success in dealing with a problem.

When I allowed hindrances like fear, lack of motivation, lack of knowledge, setting unrealistic goals, and allowing others to decide my goals, that began to cut away at my self-confidence, and it became harder to reach my goals—especially my personal goals.

Let Me Explain

I have always wanted to be a schoolteacher – always. And I don’t know why – it was just in me for as long as I can remember. I would pretend I was reading to my students as a child. And everyone had to take naps; that was the best part about being a teacher when I was a child. Somewhere along my adulthood road, that dream got diminished and pushed aside.

So Let Us Take the Word Fear

Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat.

• I read the definition of fear and thought, no, I was not fearful because I did many forms of teaching while raising our young children; I was a substitute teacher for years in our children’s school district, I was a Sunday School teacher, youth leader. I was also a Barber Instructor and director for years and was good at it.

You may ask what’s the problem, Cadeegirl?

You taught, and you would be right; I did teach. However, my goal was to teach in a school setting. My vision was to teach elementary, then middle school, and eventually become a principal. So,

I will replace the word fear with scared.

Scared is defined as nervous or intimidated.

Yes, that describes more adequately how I was feeling. I was scared of taking that step toward my dream. Why? As I share this with you, I am digging deep and reflecting. I believe there were several reasons. 

• I was intimidated to go to a four-year college
• And I was intimidated by math and science
• I allowed other voices to deter me

That was it! When I think about it, those were the three main reasons. And when I allowed being scared and intimidated to rule me, then what ended up happening was I settled, and though what I did I enjoy teaching in the other areas, it did not fulfill my personal goal and dream.

So, I will break down the three reasons I hindered myself and why I allowed others to hinder me.

The goal – was to become a schoolteacher and eventually a principle.

First – Hindrance

I was intimidated to go to a four-year college.

To Overcome and Been Successful

I could have started at a two-year college and then transferred to a four-year college.

NOW- that makes sense, but 30 years ago, it did not. And for some reason, I thought it was all or nothing back then. What was the point if I could not attend a four-year university? Then why go?

Second Hindrance

I was intimidated by math and science.

To Overcome and Been Successful

When our child was struggling with a subject in school – we hired a tutor to help them. That summer before school started. We did what we needed to do to help them succeed and not be afraid of the subject. We wanted to prepare them.

Why did I not think of that for myself? I could have hired a tutor to help me, which would have undoubtedly built my confidence in these two subjects.

Third Hindrance

I allowed other voices to deter me.

To Overcome and Been Successful.

Sometimes not having an honest conversation with someone will cheat you out of some things. Years later, I found out that it was money. They were scared that it would pull from our already limited budget. That makes sense; we had one income and young children. One solution is we could have looked for scholarships or work-study programs to help defer the cost. I did not know back then.

And more importantly

I allowed the voice in my head to tell me you probably won’t do good anyway. I mean, you know how competitive you are, and if you get anything less than an A, you will be hard on yourself, and because – you do not like math and science, getting an A in college math and science would be slim to none. And that would be more insecurities you will have to deal with. So why even try?

So, what I learned about hindrances in this section is those were excuses I hid behind. On one level, I was much younger and lacked foresight or maturity. However, on the other hand, God said I can do everything through Him. So, age is not a good excuse either.

The Lack of Knowledge

It is the lack of knowledge you do not know. I will continue with my story. There were many things I did not know or understand. I knew I had the desire but did not understand how to achieve the goal.

Now I realize that I could have done some things differently to set myself up to succeed in my personal goal of being a schoolteacher. And I will share them with you here.

• I should have written my goals down. I should have started with the long-term goal of becoming a schoolteacher. But I should have also had some short-term goals and small steps to reach the primary goal. 

For Example,

When I considered returning to school a few years back, I knew I had to tackle it differently because that voice still can say I would fail. So, to conquer that voice of fear, I took baby steps.

1. I decided what I wanted to do.
2. I decided where I wanted to go.
3. Once I decided where I wanted to go.
4. Then I took the necessary steps to enroll.
5. I had to take various tests before enrolling.
6. I had to gather my previous school documentation.
7. And I had to make sure my shots were updated.

And as I checked off each small goal,

my confidence grew, and by the time I completed all my small goals leading up to my first class. I was confident and knew I would do well if I took it bit by bit. Praise God! And I did.

And I continued with my small goals for each class each assignment, and my goal was to be on the President Honor Roll – that was my goal, and I did. I worked and studied like I was getting paid. I put in the time because I knew what it would take by then and was willing and able to do it. My second associate’s goal was nothing less than a B because that was my goal.  

So, what did I learn about hindrances in this section?

Do your research. Check out books, ask people how they got where they are, go online, and arm yourself with the knowledge to have clearly defined goals and know what it will take to achieve them. And as always, ask God to give you wisdom in your situation.

Allowing others to define your goals.

is a two-parter because now you are dealing not only with your emotions which are enough on their own, and feelings but with someone else’s. And you do not know their motives; they could be working in fear, not understanding, or jealous.

I have learned that you may not need to tell everyone your goals and aspirations because they may or may not have the best intentions for you. Sometimes it forces others to evaluate their lives, fears, uncertainties, and weaknesses. And if they do not like where they are in life, they may subconsciously or consciously discourage you from your dreams. You should seek counsel or advice from someone you look up to, someone that has your best interest at heart.

Setting Unrealistic Goals

Unrealistic Goals: What They Are and How to Stop Setting Them (goalengineer.com)

Setting goals is a personal thing. Setting unrealistic goals is a whole new ball game. Some goals are not reasonable. Unrealistic goals are goals that are not achievable or practical.

I knew this person, and we will call him Don; he wanted to be a doctor, lawyer, travel the world, and do other things. Now I know it takes at least 12 years to be a doctor and seven years to be a lawyer. That is almost 20 years of schooling. And he said these goals often; however, there was no action behind his words.

Here is what I observed in his day-to-day life.

When he finally got a job, he could not keep it because Don would not follow the rules – so he was fired. When he finally went to school, he soon became discouraged and didn’t do anything. It was too hard for him to attain. I suggested smaller, more attainable goals, but his idea was to be a doctor and lawyer and travel the world. I know this sounds extreme, but it was true. He made these goals so unattainable that he quickly became discouraged and did nothing.

So, what could Don have done differently? He could have worked in a law office as an examiner or abstractor; he would have only needed a high school diploma that would have given him an idea if he even wanted to work in the field. Don could have gotten a job at the hospital near him or volunteered a few hours a week; this would have been a more realistic approach. Setting small, realistic goals helps us not to throw in the towel and give up everything.

Finally – Allowing Others to Decide Your Goals

Never allow anyone to set your goals – setting a goal is such a personal decision. And depending on where you are in your life journey, they will change. I can remember at one time, and my goal was to read my word daily; now, that is no longer a goal because I have incorporated it into my life.

Here is a site in case you need a little help establishing your goals.

How To Successfully Set Goals | Indeed.com

Create SMART goals:

Be specific – Pick a goal and write it down, or you can have interpersonal, career, and financial goals. I can have no more than one or two primary goals at once.

Measurable – What results do you want to achieve once your goal is complete? To make a certain amount of money, lose a certain amount of weight, or be at a certain point in your career.

Attainable – create smaller goals to reach the primary goal. As I call them, baby steps make it easier to obtain and less intimidating.

Relevant – What motivates you – to purchase a new home or car to look and feel better?

Time-bound – Pick a date or time frame. And it is okay if you have to adjust the date. Just do not give up and stay focused on what you want.

The Long and Short of It

There are several goals: short, long, interpersonal, career, academic, and financial; you get the idea.

Short and long goals should be a continual thing. I have daily short-term goals. I call them my to-do list of things I do daily.

Short-term goals timeframe depends; some say 12 months or less or six months to three years.

Long-term goals a year or more.

In Conclusion – H- stands for Hindrance

There are many types of goals that you can have.

And unfortunately, there can be many hindrances as well. Once you know the hindrances, you should be able to tackle them better. It would help if you could get the help of your loved ones and have them on the same page as you. This would make it easier; however, if not, that is okay; you got this.

I have some scriptures I would like to share for your encouragement.

James 1:5(K.J.V.) “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraided not; and it shall be given him.”

Or the same scripture but said another way-

James 1:5 (N.I.V.)

“If you need wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”

If you need help with which direction to go

Psalms 32:8(NLT)

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 (N.L.T.)

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail nor abandon you.

Joshua 1:9 (N.L.T.)

This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you may go.

Now that is encouraging news! Amen!

What is delaying you from starting or completing your goals? Please share in the comment section below.

Don’t forget to add to your S.U.P. Journal

by the end of the year, you will have some great ideas for maintaining your peace and be able to share and encourage others.

Next week we will talk about a word that begins with the letter I that can help us on our journey of peace.

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As always, thank you for being here with me on this day – today. See you next week!

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GRACE AND PEACE