Why are there so many obstacles on the road to success?

Across the nation, there are companies in charge of placing barricades at highway construction sites (the one where I live is run by Bob - he’s kinda got a monopoly going). Essentially, they form roadblocks to detour traffic away from the work in progress. That system makes sense.

They don’t place those barricades willy-nilly all over town. Why would they? It would be a waste of time for the company (er, Bob) as well as a waste of time for the driver.

So, why then, do we actively set up those barricades for ourselves?

(#stop stopping yourself) image courtesy of Unsplash

Why do we waste our precious, limited time constructing elaborate schemes and perfecting reasonable-sounding excuses to stop ourselves from succeeding? What are we afraid of?

I can’t speak for everyone, but I know what does it for me. It’s my old nemesis…guilt. We’ve been developing quite an unhealthy relationship for far too many decades now.

Guilt is like the guy everybody tells you to break up with.

Grab a cup of tea and I’ll tell you how it all began. Once upon a time…

Just kidding, let’s fast forward to today. Why? Because it doesn’t really matter how this got started or even why. The only thing that does matter is this:

What will I do about it NOW?

You see, releasing an old habit that no longer serves you requires change. And, as you must know by now with the million times I’ve said it: your brain does not fancy change. In fact, it will do everything in its mighty power to stop it.

It’s not that your brain hates you. Quite the opposite. Your brain is trying to protect you because that’s what it’s been programmed to do since back when saber-toothed felines were on the loose. In those days that fight-or-flight switch was a real lifesaver (#haul ass). Luckily for us, those naughty kitties are extinct, but that portion of the brain doesn’t get automatic updates like our phones. It’s still running the same program, intent on keeping us safe.

What we tend to forget, however, is that WE have the power to reprogram it. WE get to tell our brain what we believe is and isn’t safe.

(#write a new code) image courtesy of Unsplash

So, if we don’t feel confident about the changes we want to make or are stressed out about money or feel anxious about stepping out of our comfort zone then guess what? The brain senses danger and sends out its minions to construct a roadblock to shut that shit down.

And guess who the foreman of that crew is? Guilt.

Guilt will put up a barricade at the speed of light with the first hint of a perceived threat. It’s nearly impossible to knock such a powerhouse team off their game.

YET…

That’s why these Baby Steps provide you with a shield of calm while incrementally moving forward so slowly and so stealthily that the boss man doesn’t notice (#Shawshank Redemption). SO…

Keep showing up.

Keep moving forward slowly.

Keep taking those Baby Steps.

Keep smiling.

Keep reading your DDD messages!!!