Push Past Your Obstacles

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion for reaching for the stars to change the world.

– Harriet Tubman

Do you feel you’ve taken a step back?

Is it a 3-step-forward, 2-step-back kind of season?

Like in Harriet Tubman’s quote, I want to remind you: you have the strength, patience, and passion for reaching the stars to change the world, or in other words, getting after your dreams.

When you feel you’ve taken a step back, you’re unmotivated, and possibly just worn out, it’s okay to rest. It’s okay to pause and un-busy yourself. Because when you rest, you replenish. And replenishment increases your stamina for what’s next.

Often, we get frustrated with ourselves for feeling discomfort. We mistake our need for rest with feelings of disappointment and comparison to the previous version of ourselves. By comparing yourself to your previous self, you get discouraged and feel discontent with your current self.

But here’s the deal: your current self needs to understand that this is preparation for your future self. When you are diligent in self improvement and expanding your mindset, you will know when it’s time to rest and recover.

It’s like going to the gym. You shouldn’t workout every day 24/7 because you’ll only get exhausted and slow down your progress. If you want to see results, you go in increments, based on a schedule that includes a “rest day.” This is vital for you to repair the “torn” muscles so that they can be stronger in your next workout.

Similarly to your personal goals. When you are pushing hard to achieve a goal, you must implement “rest & recovery days” to recover from the mental, emotional, psychological, and relational muscle tears. Your stress levels need to lower for optimal function later.

Whatever Obstacle You’re Facing, It’s Not Permanent

It’s easy to get caught up in your head, though. I get it.

Because when you’re feeling like a failure, the last thing you want to hear is that you need rest. You feel the need to ramp up your to-do list, push yourself, and bulldoze your way through the days and weeks just to get back in your groove.

But I propose this is not an effective way to manage yourself. This will only burn you out and make you more disappointed in yourself and others, to the point where you’ll question your own dreams and aspirations.

Looking back at the quote above, every dream begins with a dreamer. Your obstacle is not permanent. And your 2 steps back are a reminder to reevaluate your methods, not to give up and question your abilities.

Because the truth is: you have the strength, patience, and passion for reaching the stars to change the world.

Strength, Patience, and Passion

Do with what you have now.

If it’s to rest, please rest.
If it’s to adjust your pace, please adjust your pace.
If it’s to reaffirm yourself, please write out affirmations.

Because it’s great to have dreams and passions, but when you feel defeated in your current season, your inner critic will come out and sound condemning and condescending. This will make you doubt yourself and question your abilities as you toss your goals into the “maybe one-day” bucket.

You won’t always see this at the moment, but find ways to remind yourself to do with what you have now. By doing so, you increase in strength to keep going, patience with yourself, and passion for your goals and dreams.

Instead of throwing a pity-party, do with what you have now.

Because the diligent person ALWAYS succeeds. Even when they’re resting.

Be diligent to rest as you are to achieve goals. Be diligent in stewarding yourself all around: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Strength, patience, and passion all require diligence. And you have that.

Do with what you have.

Why? Because it matters.

Why? Because you’re here for a reason.

Why? Because you’re the only one who can make it happen. And when you’re diligent in pursuing growth and improving yourself, you’re setting up your future self for a better present moment. You have the strength, patience, and passion for it.