Life’s biggest obstacle

Based on the fact that you are reading a blog about personal development your biggest obstacle in life is probably you. By this, I don’t mean that you are flawed or defect in some way. You have simply developed some bad habits in the ways you think which has distorted your view of the world. You are not alone here. We all have an inner dialogue which is when your mind begins to narrate the story of your life. It is a running commentary that worries, judges and speculates in a way that is often quite unhelpful. It undermines your confidence and your motivation by repeating your fear-based thoughts over and over. It is the fake news in your mind and is the biggest challenge most of us face.

If you ask a marathon runner or someone who competes in Iron Man races they will tell you that, as much as their sport is physically incredibly challenging, the biggest obstacle is the mental battle that goes on when the body is tired and in pain. We all have a voice in our heads that tells us we can’t make it any further when things get difficult. Then when we push through we realise that voice was lying. Still, no matter how many times we prove that voice to be wrong it remains persistent and we continue to listen to it. It is hard not to because that voice in your head is part of you.

There are two things that I find very helpful in dealing with that voice in my head. The first is to separate yourself from your thoughts. You are not your thoughts so become an observer of what you are thinking and then you will be in a better position control what you focus your attention on. Meditation is a great way to begin observing your own thoughts. The second is to develop better thinking habits. This can be done with affirmations or by creating statements to contradict the negative messages in your mind. Yes, sometimes the most difficult thing in life is to stop listening to that voice in your head. When you overcome this obstacle by taking control of your inner narrative you will unlock more of your potential and live a happier life.