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Barriers and Constraints

Scott Couchenour • Jan 04, 2021

Knowing the difference between barriers and constraints gives you the knowledge to succeed.

You want to become the fullest expression of your unique, God-given design, right? Well, it won't happen on its own. It will require work on your part. That's the good news. What's the bad?


You will encounter obstacles in your path. To help deal with these obstacles, it will help to break them down into two categories: Barriers and Constraints. They both share common traits and have unique traits.


Some of the common characteristics among barriers and constraints - Both generate from within us as well as externally. Both require work to overcome. Both require your creativity to overcome them. Both keep you from achieving your desired outcome.


Some of the differences between barriers and constraints - Barriers are removeable. They are as temporary as you allow them to be, based on how you handle them. Constraints are immoveable. They are permanent and cannot be changed. Whereas you overcome barriers, you compensate for constraints.


Here are a couple examples:


  • An example of a barrier - scarcity mindset. You are not doomed to a life of worrying about how limited you are. You can overcome this mindset with techniques that, over time and with practice, overcome it and live with an abundant mindset.


  • An example of a constraint - poor eyesight. If you were born with poor eyesight, there is little can can be done to overcome it. Although this cannot be overcome, it can be compensated for with glasses or contact lenses.



HOW TO OVERCOME BARRIERS


Identify if it is truly a barrier. You don't want to spend all your time trying to change something that cannot be changed. But beware, don't sell yourself short and call a barrier a constraint when it's truly a barrier. You may not think it can be overcome at first.


Identify all the possible actions necessary to overcome the barrier.


Select the "atomic actions" (the 20% of possible actions that yield 80% of your ability to overcome)


Commit to those atomic actions with someone you trust. Then meet weekly to check in with them on those actions.



HOW TO COMPENSATE FOR CONSTRAINTS


Identify if it is truly a constraint. You don't want to spend al your time trying to compensate for something that can be removed completely. 


Identify all the possible actions necessary to compensate for the constraint.


Select the "atomic actions" (the 20% of possible actions that yield 80% of your ability to compensate)


Commit to those atomic actions with someone you trust. Then meet weekly to check in with them on those actions.


Knowing the difference between barriers and constraints gives you proper guidance on how to proceed. Armed with the difference, you are in a position to act accordingly. It's like understanding your enemy. Now you can do something about it.


ACTION STEP


  • Make a list of all things that keep you from succeeding at becoming the fullest expression of your unique, God-given design
  • Classify them as either barriers (what can be overcome) and constraints (what cannot be overcome but compensated for)


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By Scott Couchenour 03 Oct, 2024
Throughout history, countless individuals have experienced regret and used it as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. In this post, we will explore several examples of famous people who have turned their regrets into opportunities for growth, demonstrating the potential for resilience and self-improvement in the face of adversity. Oprah Winfrey Oprah Winfrey, one of the most influential media personalities in the world, has faced her share of regrets throughout her life and career. One notable example is her decision to launch the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) in 2011, which initially struggled with low ratings and financial challenges. Reflecting on this experience, Oprah acknowledged her regret, stating that she would have done things differently if she had the chance. However, instead of dwelling on her regrets, Oprah used the experience as a catalyst for growth, learning valuable lessons about leadership and business, and eventually turning OWN into a successful network. Michael Jordan Considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan has also experienced regret in his life. After retiring from basketball in 1993, Jordan pursued a career in baseball, which many saw as a failure. Jordan later returned to basketball in 1995, and in an interview with ESPN, he expressed regret over his decision to leave basketball in the first place. However, this regret fueled his desire to prove himself once again, ultimately leading him to win three more NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and solidifying his legacy as a legendary athlete. J.K. Rowling J.K. Rowling, the author of the beloved Harry Potter series, has openly shared her regrets and struggles, including her experience with depression and her difficult first marriage. In her now-famous 2008 Harvard commencement speech, Rowling spoke about the importance of embracing failure and using it as an opportunity for growth . She explained that her regrets and setbacks ultimately led her to focus on her true passion—writing—and gave her the determination and resilience to create one of the most successful literary franchises in history. Steve Jobs The late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs experienced a significant regret in 1985 when he was ousted from the company he had built. In a 2005 Stanford commencement speech, Jobs spoke about the pain of being fired from Apple and how it led him to question his abilities and direction in life. However, this regretful experience proved to be a catalyst for growt h, as Jobs went on to found NeXT and Pixar, and eventually returned to Apple, where he revolutionized the technology industry with products like the iPhone and iPad. Robert Downey Jr. Actor Robert Downey Jr.'s career was once marred by substance abuse, arrests, and stints in rehab, leading to a significant downturn in his professional life. In a 2008 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Downey spoke candidly about his regrets, admitting that he had wasted years of his life on addiction. However, instead of allowing his regrets to define him, Downey transformed his life , becoming sober and rebuilding his career to become one of the highest-grossing actors in Hollywood, known for his iconic role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These examples demonstrate that even the most successful and influential individuals experience regret, and that with resilience, determination, and a willingness to learn from our mistakes, we can turn our regrets into opportunities for personal growth and transformation .
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