How to Overcome Obstacles in Achieving Goals

Getting frustrated when unexpected problems block your plans? Here’s how to overcome obstacles in achieving goals with proven strategies…

Originally published 25 March 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.

Do you feel like roadblocks keep appearing just when you’re making progress toward your goals? You’re not alone.

Whether it’s a sudden work crisis, money troubles, or just losing steam halfway through, obstacles can make even the most determined person want to give up.

But here’s the good news: Successful people don’t avoid obstacles – they plan for them.

Research shows that people who prepare for potential setbacks are 42% more likely to achieve their goals than those who don’t.

Here’s how you can turn those frustrating roadblocks into stepping stones toward success…

What’s Really Holding You Back?

Want to achieve something meaningful? Start with a goal that challenges you but stays realistic. Then build smart strategies to get there.

But don’t stop there. The most important step is thinking through what could go wrong. When problems pop up (and they will), you won’t be caught off guard.

Instead of feeling defeated and abandoning your plans, you’ll have strategies ready to tackle each challenge.

Think of it like packing an umbrella. You hope it won’t rain, but if it does, you stay dry while others get soaked.

Plan for Challenges Before They Hit

If you want to achieve anything of significance in life, you need to start with a challenging but realistic goal, and then put smart strategies in place that will help you get there.

But it’s also vital that you recognise any potential obstacles in your way so that you know how to get over them if and when they appear. If you don’t do this from the outset, and you get ambushed by a setback you didn’t see coming, it’s easy to get disillusioned and scrap your plans altogether.

This is called throwing the baby out with the bathwater. On the other hand, if you prepare for potential setbacks beforehand, you won’t be caught by surprise, and you’ll have strategies in place to deal with them as they occur.

How to Overcome Obstacles in Achieving Goals: Have Backup Plans Ready

Look at your goal and write down every obstacle you can think of. Don’t worry about being negative – this is being smart.

Most obstacles fall into these 4 main categories:

• Logistical: Time, scheduling, resource challenges and digital distractions.
• Financial: Money and budget constraints.
• Mental: Motivation, focus, and mindset issues.
• Health: Physical wellness and energy challenges.

Let’s use this example goal: “To complete my business management diploma by December 2026”.

Here’s how to tackle one potential obstacle from each category:

Logistical Obstacles

Potential obstacle: Not enough time to study between work and family.

Possible solutions:

• Use a calendar to block out specific times for study
• Ask family to help with household tasks for a while
• Get up 30 minutes earlier on weekends for study time
• Study during commute time

Financial Obstacles

Potential obstacle: Can’t afford the course fees.

Possible solutions:

• Talk to your employer about sponsorship or reimbursement
• Look for scholarships or payment plans
• Cut down on optional expenses for a few months
• Get a small personal loan with manageable payments

Mental Obstacles

Potential obstacle: Losing motivation after a few months.

Possible solutions:

• Make studying a daily habit, like brushing your teeth
• Create a vision board showing your end goal, and put it where you can see it every day
• Find a “study buddy” to keep you accountable
• Celebrate small wins along the way
• Set weekly mini-goals to maintain momentum

Health Obstacles

Potential obstacle: Worried about burning out or getting sick from stress.

Possible solutions:

• Schedule regular breaks and exercise
• Practice mindfulness and simple stress-reduction techniques
• Get enough sleep (7-8 hours per night)
• Take actual days off from studying
• Talk to friends or family when feeling overwhelmed

Unforeseen Things: Expect the Unexpected

Here’s the truth: Every worthwhile goal comes with obstacles. The path to success is never smooth – it’s full of bumps, detours, and unexpected challenges.

But that’s exactly what makes achieving goals so rewarding. When you learn to handle obstacles effectively, you don’t just reach your goal – you become a stronger, more confident person.

The people who succeed aren’t lucky. They’re prepared. They know obstacles will come, and they’re ready with solutions.

Your Next Steps

Ready to tackle your goals with confidence? Here’s how to start:

1. Write down your main goal for the next 12-18 months
2. List 3-5 potential obstacles in each category above
3. Create 2-3 solutions for each obstacle you identified
4. Share your goal with someone who will support and encourage you
5. Review and adjust your obstacle plans monthly

Remember: Obstacles aren’t roadblocks – they’re just puzzles waiting to be solved. With the right preparation and mindset, you can overcome any challenge that comes your way.

Life coaching or executive coaching can help you identify blind spots and develop even stronger strategies for achieving your goals. Sometimes an outside perspective makes all the difference between giving up and breaking through.

What obstacles are you facing with your current goals? The sooner you plan for them, the sooner you’ll overcome them.

Copyright Eclipse Life Coaching 2020-2025.