INCOMING…

By Barry Farber

There are great benefits from being aware of the opportunities that lie within difficulties. Anytime we push ourselves into new territories or push our limits both physically and mentally, we will encounter obstacles, no’s, setbacks, and barriers. The real intelligence lies in understanding the incoming data by adjusting, learning and sometimes moving on. Here are a few ways to deal with incoming obstacles effectively:

1. Strong belief system.

Do you believe your idea or position has true value? That will go a long way when faced with objections and challenges. I’m approached by companies that want me to place their products and services into national accounts, or inventors that want me to market their inventions or athletes and entertainers that want me to help them breakthrough. If I don’t see a strong value in the offer it becomes very difficult to market. But when the added value is there it gives you the reasons to keep moving forward against the obstacles. Then tenacity and persistence are easier to enforce and have other benefits attached. People see that extra enthusiasm and effort as a positive energy, especially when backed by an attitude that you have faith behind your mission.

2. The counter is where the strategy lives.

In martial arts there is a great advantage to not striking first. The greatest fighters can see an attack coming before the movement begins. The ability to step aside or move into the attack allows you to control their energy or use it against them. In business I’ve seen people try to force their ideas or products on to someone first and it can backfire. When people see someone more interested in their own gains than understanding the key needs and goals of the client then more objections surface. By understanding not just your strengths but really tuning into the other persons goals it allows you to reduce the obstacles moving forward. I welcome the objections or adversity. I sometimes let them pass right by or address them head on. In martial arts there is a saying, “what’s hard dies, what is soft lives.” Stay flexible and learn how to blend with your opponent. When change comes your way keep an open mind and look for ways to take advantage of the situation by not being so rigid in your approach. When we get set in our ways that is what seems to get “in the way” of new opportunities.

3. Constant preparation and action builds confidence and clarity.

Massive action combined with deep research on your strategy has a powerful effect. When you study your targets, goals or anything tied into your objectives it gives you a calming feeling and internal confidence that helps you stand strong against any incoming obstacles. The next time you take on a challenge that might seem overwhelming try to seek out people who have the experience to be a mentor. Then read everything you can about the situation. We have at our fingertips a world of resources on the internet from audio, video and reading materials. But just as powerful as the research and preparation can be, nothing takes the place of learning from our actions. The work will teach you how to do it. I can’t say it any simpler. My focus over the years with each project has been this...to learn from my actions and act from my learning. One without the other suffers, but together provide a powerful strategy to deal with any of those incoming obstacles.