Have you ever experienced challenges in your life — those times when you felt stuck and had no idea how to move forward? The reality is we all have. At some point in life, we all meet obstacles that seem insurmountable. How great would it be to feel able to overcome those obstacles? How great would it be to know that no matter what comes your way you can deal with it?

Here’s the truth of it, it’s not what happens to you in life that matters as much as how you respond to it. Our responses and our actions determine our success, not situations, people or events. Any successful person alive today is a testament to that.

Here are some tips to help you overcome obstacles.

Acknowledge the Situation for what it is

No matter how bad you think a situation is, see it as a challenge to overcome not a concrete problem. If you think you’ve failed, you haven’t. You simply need a new strategy. Look at the situation for what it is and ask yourself what you can learn from it. Remember this — Feedback, not failure. You have an opportunity to refine and improve your approach. Use it.

Get out in nature

It is well known that being outdoors in nature improves brain function. Every day, get out in nature. It will create a space for you to think clearly and make productive decisions.

Revisit your Successes

Write down a list of all your successes you have achieved in your life —Every single one, no matter how tiny. Aim for at least 30 and keep going if you get to that number. You might find that you are quite capable of overcoming challenges and succeeding. Do not throw your successes on the floor, pick them up and celebrate them!

Step into another person’s shoes

If you find yourself facing a challenge, ask yourself what someone you admire would do in your situation. One of the fastest ways to get what you want in life is to find someone who has it and do what they have done. Look for people who have become successful despite bad circumstances.

Ask Better Questions

Since you have been reading your brain has already asked questions, whether you realised it or not. Things like, “What do I think of that?”, “Is that relevant to me?” ”Is she right?” etc. Our brain is a question and answer organ and does it on a constant basis.

When people meet obstacles they usually ask questions like, “Why was I so stupid?” “What’s wrong with me?” or “Why can’t I do this?” If you ask questions like that, your brain will find an answer and most likely one you won’t like! Instead, ask yourself questions like, “How can I make this work?” “Who or what can I draw upon to help me?” “If I was to approach this challenge as a confident, self-assured person, what would I do?” The questions you ask yourself shape your experience.

Identify your Resources

Make a list of every resource you have. This might include family, friends, people with specific skills or talents, financial resources, support services available in your community or online, portals for information, books, networks, emotional support resources – list everything you can think of.

Identify your Strengths

Make a list of every personal quality and characteristic, skill or ability you drew upon to succeed at something in the past. Having a list to hand is a good reminder of your capability if you find you have a challenge to overcome.

Write a New Story

We all tell ourselves stories about who we are, how people view us, how the world works and what people are like. More often than not, those stories are dis-empowering.

Many people without a good education have gone on to become experts. Many people who grew up in impoverished areas are now wealthy. Many people who were faced with a disability or illness live great lives. You can choose to believe the story that circumstance tells you, or you can write a new story that empowers you!

Become Aware of What You Already Have

List ten things you are grateful for in your life right now.

Do this every day and watch what happens. Gratitude and positive focus can change your life. It changed mine.

Build a Team around You

Nobody becomes a success on their own. The idea of being “self-made” is an illusion. Can you think of one person who has succeeded who didn’t seek out advice, a service or someone with more expertise than them? Every successful person builds a good team around them. Find people who will help you move forward. Get in a mastermind group or get an accountability partner that you check in with every to monitor your progress.