“To conquer frustration, one must remain intensely focused on the outcome, not the obstacles.”
– T.F. Hodge
It is quite common to meet senior executives, CEO’s, athletes, and non-profit leaders who have gotten stuck in pursuit of a goal. When engaging with these leaders a common theme tends to emerge: they have clarity of their perceived obstacles. And while that can prove helpful, it tends to cloud the view of where they were heading and what they were looking to achieve.
What we focus on expands and, while difficult at best, it is vital to keep our eyes on the prize. Key questions I ask: What is the end game? What are you trying to accomplish? When will you know when you have arrived? Obstacles are like icebergs poking through the expanse of the ocean – not looking significant – until we go deep in our quest to grasp the size of the challenge that stands before us. Yet one cannot navigate to their destination if the captain and crew focus on the obstacle. History shows that the iceberg ultimately wins, so one must know the seas they are sailing in pursuit of their port or dock of distinction.
