Challenges are a part of life. We've all been there – just when things are going smoothly, an obstacle appears and stifles our progress. In the past my approach to obstacles was straightforward: put my head down and work my way out of it. Unsurprisingly, that approach created more problems than it solved. So if you've found yourself in a similar situation, here's an alternative three-step approach to guide you:

1. Recover

First take a step back to dedicate some quality time for yourself. Think of it this way:

If a car runs out of fuel, you're not going to get anywhere by trying to start the engine over and over again. You have to find a source to re-fuel to get moving.

Rest through actions that energise you, like meditating, journaling, or taking long walks instead of actions that exhaust you, such as aimlessly scrolling through social media.

2. Think Slow

Now its time to zoom out and identify what that obstacle really is and how you've got there. If you can't understand the challenge you're facing, its almost impossible to fight it. So ask yourself: Is it a mental block? Is it a lack of discipline? What's caused it?

Break it all down to its finest detail on a piece of paper. If its something you're faced with often, keep that paper someplace safe.

3. Act Fast

The final step is straightforward: action. But don't overwhelm yourself. Just think of the minimum viable action. If you can't focus, commit to just ten minutes. If you can't get started, break the action into smaller chunks. The aim is to make your initial action a no-brainer, create momentum and eventually breakthrough your obstacle with ease.