3 Ways to Change Roadblocks into Valuable Tools

Our initial reaction when hitting a setback or a "roadblock, whether it be during an important project or even just trying to finish a task, is usually one of frustration or the thoughts of "Why does this always happen to me?" or "why doesn't anything ever work for me?". Roadblocks can be valuable though. Here's how:

  • Roadblocks can be an indication that we need to stop and take a step back in order to look at the big picture. Take the time to re-affirm the original goal and see if you're still on the right track or if you've somehow gone down a path you never intended to in the first place. Sometimes, we get so caught up in dealing with the day to day issues that we don't realize that we are now suddenly somewhere we didn't plan on going. Take the time to re-focus on where you want to go and you may find that you've just saved yourself a lot of time and trouble on something you don't want to be involved with anyway.
  • Roadblocks can also be an excellent opportunity to brainstorm. Maybe when the plan was created in the beginning, all of the potential options weren't considered. There may be far more efficient or cost effective opportunities available if you take the time to do some research.

    For example: say you want to publish a "How to" book. You get it all set up and then find out that it's going to be too expensive to get it printed. You could just give up on the idea or you could brainstorm. For example:

    - could you create an e-book instead?

    - could you print it off yourself?

    - could you simply alter things to make it cheaper (ie. Less colour pictures, use only 2 colours, etc.)?

    - could you find a technical college which may be willing to do this cheaper as students would be working on it?

    - would it be better as a web site?

  • The benefits of brainstorming like this is you may figure out a far better idea than the one you had originally. You may end up really glad that you didn't go with the original plan.

  • Sometimes, running into roadblocks can also be a sign that you're drained and just need a break. You may find that after you've taken the time to re-charge your batteries and regained your enthusiasm, the roadblocks seem to just disappear on their own.
  • If you can think of your roadblocks as a challenge then you avoid falling into the victim trap. Your confidence to achieve your goal will increase as you know it can be done. You just need to figure out if there's a better way. Think of them as "silver linings" and you'll be amazed at what ideas you suddenly come up with. Your goal may suddenly become closer than you thought and be an even greater achievement and all because you knew a roadblock could be a really valuable tool. You just needed to know how to use them.

    Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

    Catherine Pratt 2005

    For more articles and tips on how to build self confidence in your personal and work relationships, visit life with confidence

    move in cleaning service Mundelein ..
    In The News:

    Cybersecurity experts warn about one of the largest credential compilations ever found, urging users to check "Have I Been Pwned" and change passwords immediately.
    Quick iPhone and Android battery optimization techniques help your device stay powered all day by turning off hidden features that secretly drain power in the background.
    Kodiak Driver autonomous truck achieves perfect 98 safety score, matching top human fleets in groundbreaking AI evaluation by Nauto's VERA system.
    New 401k catch-up contribution rules in 2026 will change taxes for high earners over 50. Learn how scammers exploit these changes and protect your retirement savings.
    Kurt Knutsson's guide covers social media privacy protection through location settings, account privacy controls and two-factor authentication to prevent scams and data breaches.
    Revolutionary retinal implant restores central vision in 80% of patients with advanced macular degeneration, offering hope where treatments once only slowed blindness.
    Learn how to use passkeys on Windows and Mac computers without cameras or fingerprint readers. Discover secure authentication methods that replace passwords.
    Tesla's FSD v14.1.2 update reintroduces Mad Max mode, enabling higher speeds and more frequent lane changes than the standard Hurry profile setting.
    A phishing email scam targeting American Express customers shows how cybercriminals use fake urgent messages to steal personal and financial information.
    Facebook's new Meta AI feature analyzes your camera roll photos to create polished collages automatically, but requires cloud processing and raises privacy concerns.
    A New Jersey teenager filed a major lawsuit against AI/Robotics Venture Strategy 3 Ltd. over ClothOff, an AI tool that created fake nude images from her social media photos.
    Microsoft reports Storm-2657 cybercriminals sent phishing emails to 6,000 addresses at 25 universities to steal payroll credentials and redirect funds.
    Astronomers have discovered asteroid 2025 SC79, a skyscraper-sized space rock orbiting the sun in just 128 days. the second-fastest known.
    The Fox News AI Newsletter delivers the latest developments form the world of artificial intelligence, including the technology's challenges and opportunities.
    A cyberattack on SimonMed Imaging exposed personal information of 1.2 million patients, including medical records, financial details and identity papers.
    Spotify's managed accounts for kids under 13 now available in at least seven countries, allowing parents to filter and block explicit content and songs.
    Friendly text conversations about BBQs and social events can lead to WEEX gold trading scams that target older adults with fake investment opportunities.
    California company Skyeports creates self-healing glass spheres from Moon regolith that generate solar power and support plant growth for sustainable lunar living.
    Cleafy researchers discover fake VPN streaming app Mobdro Pro that installs Klopatra banking Trojan, giving attackers full control over Android devices.
    Police departments across the U.S. and Canada are adopting virtual reality training to better prepare officers for high-pressure, real-world situations.
    House Bill 469 would prevent AI systems from owning property, serving as executives, or gaining legal personhood in Ohio under Representative Thaddeus Claggett's proposal.
    Public voter records expose retirees' personal details to election scammers who create targeted cons using names, addresses, and voting history data.
    Instead of fearing what comes next with artificial intelligence, think outside the box. Here are high-earning AI jobs that don't require a computer science degree.
    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says polite words like "please" and "thank you" cost millions annually, while direct prompts may improve ChatGPT accuracy by several points.
    Chattee Chat and GiMe Chat exposed intimate conversations and photos, revealing users spent up to $18,000 on AI companions before the breach.

    Welcoming the Unexpected

    As I walked my dogs recently on what "should" have... Read More

    All Your Problems Are Based In False Beliefs!

    All the problems that any individual has in their lives... Read More

    Positive Thinking: Polyanna Syndrome

    Why do we have such a downer on Pollyanna? After... Read More

    Mental Fitness For Confidence And Winning In Life

    Studies show that men and women profit most with having... Read More

    Important Days Ahead

    Humans tend to categorize things by large or small, bright... Read More

    The Gift of Envy

    The summer I was 20 years old, I worked as... Read More

    You Have All The Resources You Need

    You already have all the resources you need to accomplish... Read More

    Community After Tragedy

    One Friday in November, I began a journey from New... Read More

    Getting Over Your Fear Of Success

    The fear of success is more common than some might... Read More

    Life Writing, One Facet of Living an Enchanted Life

    I started life writing in the fifth grade. My mother... Read More

    Self-esteem: Does It Really Matter?

    Some people are full of confidence and able to meet... Read More

    Practice Gratitude to Improve Your Life Today

    As I swooshed down the Zoom Flume water slide at... Read More

    Banish Shallow Breathing And Boost Self Esteem!

    You know, very often, the manner in which a person... Read More

    Dispell Anger in 2 Simple Steps

    "It really works!" "Well, I'll be?!"BJ like so many others... Read More

    Keep Your Cool

    Know your limits. Accept what you can't change and let... Read More

    11 Great Ways to be Positive about Change

    Look for the positives!Seek them out - those little scary... Read More

    Self-Recovery from Addiction: Taking Responsibility for Your Life

    I've had several coaching clients come to me who, while... Read More

    Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life

    Most of what we've been taught about how to be... Read More

    Your Mental Attitude is The Key!

    As a being of thought, your dominant mental attitude will... Read More

    Stepping Into Possibility Thinking

    Our thoughts really belong to the collective consciousness of the... Read More

    Watch Your Mouth

    Ever had one of those mothers, or grandmothers, who would... Read More

    How Our Beliefs Narrow The Limits Of Our Possibilities

    The universe is vast, it's dimensions inconceivable, it's potentialities unimaginable,... Read More

    If Youre Stuck Then Make a Different Decision

    Many people don't really understand the gift they have been... Read More

    How to Get Rid of Frustration and Self-Pity

    I've yet to meet the person who never struggles with... Read More

    Living with Lunatics: They?re Crazy and They?re in Charge!

    They're out there? they look like people you know, but... Read More

    insured cleaning company Highland Park ..