Obstacles or Opportunities
I was reading some Nietzsche- not that I subscribe to existentialism, and I am most certainly diametrically opposed to nihilism (the “God is dead” postulates)- but I find differences in opinion interesting, and there’s something to challenging your own beliefs therein making them stronger… but anyway…
A few days later I was hiking and came across this really cool root formation as I was going over some of Nietzsche’s amor fati musings in my head. The basic gist is that everything in your life should be viewed as positive and necessary, that you should live a life of joy and embrace the sufferings you’re faced with, regardless of how horrible they may be (Nietzsche is the author of the famous “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” quote). That, if in an eternal loop of living and dying and coming back to live the same life again, you would embrace that and be joyous every time. So as this was tumbling about in my head, I came to a bit of an uphill climb in the trail, and my first thought was how kind it was for God to put these stairs there for me, to make my climb easier. And how cool that typically roots are seen as obstacles, but that for me they were opportunities, and even a way to get to the top faster, easier, more efficiently.
When working with clients on their health goals, I see this dichotomy as well; so often the goals we want to achieve require first identifying a root cause of the issue at hand, then overcoming that obstacle to achieve success. For example, a client may come to me wanting to lose weight, which appears to be the goal, however, we may need to first work on triggers to emotional eating. The emotional component is tough to overcome, but by getting past it, conquering it, overcoming it, the weight comes off and stays off, rather than just doing another yo-yo diet. Is that emotional root an obstacle? Sure. But it also affords an amazing opportunity- without addressing the root, the goal is not achievable. By meeting the tough challenge head on, and gaining power over it, surmounting it, it no longer exerts its influence on our life. Hence that difficulty can be seen as a great opportunity- a way to create a lasting change.
I’ve written before about the power of optimism (HERE), and I think this “opportunity mindset” is very in line with that. Again, Nietzsche believed that nothing is inherently good or evil, but rather subject to individual interpretation. Likewise, so can we view events as obstacles or opportunities. Reframing our mindset can be a great first step to inciting change.
What is your current struggle? How can you turn that into an opportunity? How can this opportunity bring you closer to your goal? How can this challenge inspire you to improve and grow?
Another Nietzsche tidbit is that there are three steps to paradise: a good thought, a good word, and a good deed. Let’s use this to build a framework for success. What is the current struggle that will be an opportunity for you?
With that opportunity in mind, what good thoughts can you make? How can you think of this in a positive light? What positive thoughts can you keep with you so that when you are met with this struggle you can counter that with positivity? What mantra can you say that will give you fuel to move forward?
Let’s think next of good words. What self talk can you create to counteract any negativity that will likely pop up on your journey? Have some affirmations or counter-arguments at the ready so you can beat down the thoughts that will challenge you. What about words to others? What can you say to others to keep you accountable to your goal? Sharing your goals with others has been proven to increase your success, as it adds a layer of accountability. What words can you say to others that will help them to help you? When I was doing my gut reset, I asked my family to refrain from talking about desserts that I knew would be tempting me (yup, Mom’s butter cookies!). My sister was great about asking me how the process was coming along, which helped me see the positive gains I was getting rather than the cookies I wasn’t!
And third, what about good deeds? Make a plan. Break down your goal into small, achievable steps that can you accomplish. Do activities/ work/ actions that move you forward. What deed can you do today, however small, that will bring you closer to your goal?
Find those opportunities!
And if your trail seems full of weeds that are drowning out the light with which to find your way, I am always here to help! Together we can see the opportunity, and I can help draw the map to get you where you want to go. Let’s do this!
Blessings,
Melanie
