Striving to overcome obstacles in the fitness world can look a variety of different ways. For some, this is striving to increase the deadlift weight that you have been stuck in for a long time. For others, it is working through the pain of injury recovery to once again be your best and healthiest self. Whatever your personal obstacles are, here a few quotes to help keep you in the right mentality to overcome them.
“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
The breakdown of this quote is that persistence and flexible tactics are necessary to overcome obstacles. When you run in a way, take a second to breathe, recompose, and then push through to accomplish the goal you are working toward. Never back down and never give up.
“If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” –Frank A. Clark
This quote is critical when considering what does and doesn’t matter. It is unlikely that any really meaningful goals or achievements can be reached without struggling first, and having to overcome that struggle and come out much stronger on the other side. Often, the easiest road to take is not productive and not nearly as rewarding. Of course, simultaneously, the most challenging obstacles will result in the sweetest successes.
“One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.” –Albert Schweitzer
There is a particular type of strength and knowledge that people get form overcoming obstacles, which makes them stronger and ready to overcome the next one. It also puts them in a position when they gain a better perspective on their goals after going through adversity on the route to achieving it.
Overcoming obstacles and prevailing stronger on the other side is also critical to developing credible wisdom and a new type of respect. This will encourage people to look to you for advice when overcoming their own fitness, work, or personal obstacles–when they know that you have been through similar struggles and strifes as them. On the other end of this, however, do not be afraid and perhaps even be enthusiastic in the search for a mentor who shares similar experiences as you. This can be a critical factor in your success, providing someone to hold you accountable and to share your struggles with.