Remember how I almost crawled back under the sheets when I saw the snow?The problem wasn’t the snow — it was my reaction to it. And to solve that, I had to build an obstacles-oriented mindset.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Reframe the Obstacle: Think of obstacles as opportunities. Instead of thinking you can’t do something, think about the benefits you will get from it.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Ask Better Questions: Don’t ask yourself why bad things always happen to you. Ask yourself how you can still make your goal work.</li></ul>The next time you face a barrier, pause and ask yourself: If I were excited by this challenge, how would I respond differently?

The Obstacles-Oriented Mindset

🎯 This is Part 8/9 of the Series Your Best Year Yet You’re reading part eight of Your Best Year Yet: A Step-by-Step Guide — a special year-end series designed to help you reflect on the past year, set transformative goals, and create a plan to thrive in the year ahead. If you missed the previous issue, <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/your-first-30-days">catch up here</a>.In this issue, we will focus on fighting the obstacles that could hinder your progress with actionable steps. And next week, in the last issue, we will round everything up with a discussion about checking progress and celebrating wins. <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/publish/post/https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/subscribe">Subscribe </a>to avoid missing it!

[The Challenge] - Your Best Year Yet

Here’s an exercise to get used to breaking down obstacles. Every time you notice a barrier, list three Plan B micro-actions. For example:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Five minutes of stretching + five minutes of jumping jacks + five minutes of yoga.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Swap running for an online dancing workout.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Shift your workout to later in the day (and don’t forget about it).</li></ul>

The Overwhelm Breakdown (2)

Not all hurdles are equal.Sometimes, they’re external, like the snow. Other times, they’re internal, like self-doubt, fear of failure, or procrastination. In both cases, you can fight any obstacles with the correct strategy.<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Strategy for External Obstacles: prepare a backup plan. If you can’t run outside, can you quickly work out indoors? Can you shuffle your schedule if a meeting pops up at your usual gym time?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Strategy for Internal Obstacles: tune into your mindset. Remind yourself why you started. Sometimes, even only journaling for five minutes can banish those internal doubts. </li></ol>

The Two Types of Obstacles

Obstacles are inevitable. But perfection isn’t. And what matters is how fast you get back up when you stumble.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The Two-Day Rule: if you skip one day of your routine, that’s ok. But don’t let it go beyond two. This rule ensures a missed workout or break in your streak doesn’t become a habit of quitting.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Review Regularly: every Sunday, take ten minutes to review your obstacles from the past week. How did you handle them? What did you learn?</li></ul>Schedule a weekly obstacles check-in on your calendar and answer these two questions:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">What went off-track this week?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">What’s my plan to prevent that next time? </li></ul>

The Fall-Forward Plan

Obstacles are not the enemy. Remember it next time you face a sudden block. It doesn’t matter if it’s a snow-covered sidewalk or an unexpected life twist. Both are a chance to test you.The morning I nearly gave up running due to snowy weather was one of my most fulfilling runs ever. I refused to let the obstacle define me, and I became stronger.It doesn’t matter what your goal is. It can be a big project at work, a personal fitness goal, or a new skill you’re itching to learn. Next time an obstacle pops up, fight it. [DOWNLOAD THE <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/thriving-despite-challenges">FREE INFOGRAPHIC</a>]

It was a cold January morning back in 2018.My alarm went off at 6:00 AM, and I rolled out of bed, still half-asleep.Like every morning that winter, I wore my warmest clothes and laced my running shoes. I queued my favorite Spotify and was about to leave. But as I opened the door, a fresh blanket of snow covered the entire street.My first instinct was to turn around. I wished to head straight back to bed and use snow as an excuse to keep sleeping. But something kept me moving — maybe the promise I’d made myself to run each morning, no matter what.

Running in Winter

Sometimes, obstacles zap our motivation more than our ability to overcome them. This is why having a motivation toolbox can keep you ahead when life throws snow on your path.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Visual Cues: hang up a photo of your goal, like a picture of a marathon to the finish line or a place you want to travel.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Accountability Buddies: text a friend or family member when the goal gets tough. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Past Success Reminders: write a journal about the times you overcame difficulties. </li></ul>Revisit <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/breaking-down-big-goals">issue five </a>if you need more tips on sustaining habits and building robust systems.

The Motivation Toolbox

It was slippery, slow, and uncomfortable at times. But by the end of that frosty route, I felt happier and more accomplished than ever. It wasn’t only a run — it was the goal I protected. I realized obstacles can test you only to make you realize which goals matter. They are opportunities to show yourself what you’re made of.It’s easy to quit when external conditions or internal doubts toughen. But if you push through, you build confidence that can’t be faked. So, in this issue, we’re tackling how to face everyday challenges without losing motivation or letting obstacles define your outcome.

When you feel blocked, it often helps to chunk the problem into bite-sized pieces.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Identify the Core Issue: if your obstacle is running today, the core issue might be the absence of indoor alternatives.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Create a Micro-Solution: you can think about better solutions later, but what can you do in the next 15 minutes to fix the problem? Brainstorm these micro-solutions, pick one of them, and go for it.</li></ul>

The Overwhelm Breakdown (1)

<ul><li>Spread the word! Share <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/">The Challenge</a> with friends and family.</li><li><a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/subscribe">Subscribe</a> today to support the ongoing creation of this content.</li><li>Want more? Explore my other work at <a href="https://www.cosmopolitanmindset.com/">Cosmopolitan Mindset</a>.</li></ul>

Next Steps

You're reading an excerpt from <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/">The Challenge</a> — a weekly newsletter dedicated to self-improvement, goal-setting, habits, time management, and health tips.Every week, you'll receive:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">A life-enhancing challenge</li><li class="ql-align-justify">A custom infographic to track your progress</li></ul><a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/subscribe">Subscribe</a> now and start your first challenge.

The Challenge

Learn practical ways to conquer daily obstacles, stay motivated, and keep your momentum strong—even when challenges arise.