So, What?

~ In life there will always be obstacles. You can overcome every one beginning with “so, what?” It changes your perspective~ talkswitheve

So, what? This question may seem like an odd one to ask when facing an obstacle. It, however, serves as a means to an end. When faced with an obstacle what is your first thought?

Generally, your first thought comes from your automatic, knee-jerk, reaction. More often than not, your response triggered by that first thought about the obstacle you are facing may result in a negative outcome.

Stopping to first ask so, what? goes a long way in breaking up the thought triggered by that knee-jerk reaction. This allows for follow up, and more logical, thoughts.

Logical thoughts are necessary as life comes with obstacles. Life happens according to obstacles. You cannot avoid obstacles.

However, you do not have to view an obstacle as something negative.

Meaning of obstacle

An obstacle is defined as an obstruction of some kind that impedes someone from making progress or achieving a goal. The obstacle does not necessarily have to be a physical barrier.

There are MANY kinds of obstacles.

Determining which type of obstacle you are facing is the first step in figuring out what will be your response in overcoming it.

Your first step – ask so, what?

Are obstacles positive or negative?

“Age is nothing but a number” is a phrase I have heard my whole life. I am sure you have too. Aging is presented as a negative thing – from Hollywood to Human Resources.

WE ALL AGE! We start aging from the moment of conception. Aging is a part of our life’s process – each and every one of us will go through the aging process. No one gets to avoid it.

However, you can DO anything – BE anything – AT ANY AGE! Harland Sanders, after failures of many jobs and businesses, sold the first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in 1952 when he was 62 years old.

It all comes down to perspective.

You are a unique individual and how you view obstacles is based on your own personal life experience. Therefore you may view obstacles as positive – or negative.

Obstacles are opportunities

I view obstacles as neither positive or negative. I also do not view obstacles as good or bad luck. I look at an obstacle as a reason to pause – to take a brief timeout.

When faced with an obstacle my first response is usually frustration or disappointment.

I have learned to accept and allow that first response. Why? The knee-jerk reaction is an emotional reaction, one that is unthinking. It is involuntary.

However, I have found that the reaction can be controlled in that I can choose to not act on it. I can control (manage) my knee-jerk reactions.

I choose to disregard my initial emotional response. How?

By interjecting the question so, what?

So, what?

Asking the question may seem simple enough but managing your knee-jerk reactions is not simple – it will be challenging. However, you can, with practice, rewire your brain to remain cool under pressure.

Remember a knee-jerk reaction is an automatic response. It is an instinctive response. You, however, should never act on it – unless of course, it is a fight or flight response to danger.

You may have experienced responses you have regretted when you gave in to your knee-jerk reactions.

You may say it is easier said than done and I would agree with you. Wholeheartedly. However, think about how you felt when you observed someone’s explosive or heated reaction to something you saw as innocent. Or, how you felt when your friend or significant other said something you thought was inconsiderate?

So, what?

The question is the “switch” to flip your thoughts, allowing you to be calm and make a decision – should you respond or react? There is a difference between the two.

Asking the question allows you to mentally walk away – briefly – so you can make the best decision for you in your circumstances.

Overcoming obstacles is possible when you can make the decision to respond and not react.  Choosing to respond usually comes with a better, positive, reward.

Obstacles are always present in life. How will you deal with your obstacles? What opportunities will you discover?

Remember to first ask so, what? Sort through your feelings and thoughts to gain perspective then make your decision.