Obstacles as Opportunities

Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities

Denise Fournier, MS

Isaac Farin, LMFT

Bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell is well known for his insightful explorations of social science research. His popularity is due, in large part, to his uncanny ability to transform the way we look at things from food to television to the human brain. In his latest book, David and Goliath, Gladwell offers an unusual perspective about disadvantages and hardships, including learning disorders, war, and family tragedies. What this book suggests is that some of the misfortunes that we presume to be debilitating can actually offer some remarkable advantages. In other words, what appear to be obstacles in our lives can actually be opportunities. 

Gladwell’s book presents an interesting way to think about the challenges we face. Most of us, at some point in our lives, encounter troubles and tragedies that are difficult to overcome. Moving past such struggles requires a certain degree of resilience, and many people are surprised to recognize how capable they are of enduring difficult situations and overcoming them with potent determination. The truth is, we cannot know how strong we are until we encounter circumstances that require us to demonstrate that strength. As psychiatrist Milton Erickson put it, “No human being ever fully knows all of his own capabilities.” Once we get in touch with our strength, we have a valuable opportunity to harness its power and allow it to serve us in other ways.

Throughout our lives, we all face obstacles—some more daunting than others. But the nature of those obstacles is far less significant than how we respond to them. If we react in fear and dwell on the misfortune that has struck us, we are almost certain to get disabled by despair. But if we recognize the obstacle as an opportunity to engage our strengths and resources, we can tap into our extraordinary ability to turn adversity into advantage. We are all capable of clearing the hurdles in our lives and emerging tougher and more prepared to face whatever obstacles lie ahead; the key is recognizing that we’re more likely to find our strength when difficult circumstances require us to put it to use. As author Zack Van remind us, “The most vibrant of flowers often come from the dirtiest soil.”

Can you recall a time in which you were faced with an obstacle that you were not certain you would overcome? Think of how you were finally able to overcome this obstacle and move on. Were you more resilient than you thought? Did you recognize any strength you hadn’t realized you had? Was it indeed an opportunity to learn from? If so, have you tapped into that strength lately?