As the end of January draws to a close, many people have abandoned the goals and resolutions they had just 30 days ago.

Why?

It might have been unrealistic goal setting, lack of time, or lack of motivation.  But more than anything, it was probably something blocking the way they just couldn’t overcome.

In fact, it’s not unusual to Face Roadblocks when you’re pursuing a goal or dream.  The question is what will you do when you encounter them – will you just sit there and stare at them or will you find ways around them?

Overcoming the roadblocks

Recently, my hometown of Houston experienced an unusual ice storm.  We don’t normally see this type of wintry weather in South Texas, but IceApocalypse 2018 occurred and threw us for a loop.

When something like this happens, everything in the metroplex area shuts down.  But for whatever reason,  some drivers decided to take to the highways even though ice on the roads could create dangerous driving conditions. Those who ventured out quickly discovered that several roads were impassable.  As a result, many cars were stuck on the freeways and causing quite a stir.

Watching this unfold on TV I noticed something interesting:

The drivers in the left-hand lanes just sat in their cars, doing nothing.  They took a chance to go out, but when an icy roadblock stood in their way, they became paralyzed. However, the drivers in the right-hand lanes decided to take another route. Literally.  Although it was a huge risk, they decided to drive backward on the freeway towards the closest exit in order to find a way around the obstacle in front of them.

As I watched, I couldn’t help but think that this story illustrates perfectly how some people handle the roadblocks they face on their Organizing journey.

What choice will you make?

If getting organized is your goal this week, this month, or this year, can I just tell you that you’re going to face obstacles? No one wants to hear that, but it’s true.

“If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” ~ Michael Jordan

As you climb the building blocks towards an organized lifestyle there will be all types of pitfalls that will prevent you from finding the success and order you long for – fear, doubts, time restraints, excuses, other people, guilt, lack of knowledge.  The list goes on and on.

When you face those roadblocks, you have a choice to make: you can either choose to stare at the roadblock in front of you and stay put, or you can take one or two steps backward and find a way around whatever is blocking your way.

Those are really the only 2 choices you have.  Which will you choose?

While you may not be able to answer the question right away, maybe understanding the consequences of your decision will help.

If you allow the roadblock to impede your progress, you will stay stuck in the clutter and chaos that surrounds you.  You will remain frustrated, overwhelmed, and unhappy.  It will be as if you have fallen and can’t get up. Sadly, you could be stuck there for a very long time.

But if you choose to be like those who took a risk on the freeway, and actively seek out a way around the roadblock in front of you, even if it means going one or two steps backward, you’re still moving.  When all is said and done, you’re making progress.  And even that small amount of momentum can make a difference in your organizing efforts.

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It’s not easy…

Getting organized isn’t easy.  If it were, everyone would be doing it.

There’s no doubt you will face obstacles on your organizing journey. You may find that you’ll be challenged to take risks to move backward,  sideways, or possibly even over, these roadblocks. But if you’re willing to the chance and keep moving, the rewards will be worth it.  What’s stopping you?