🛣️ Roadblocks 101

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Hey there! Welcome back to The Flow by Flocus. If you’re new around here, welcome! 👋  You can catch up on our previous editions right here.

This week: We’re serving up a hot new idea — the 4 types of roadblocks on the journey to achieving your goals, and how to break through each one. Let’s get into it!

🚥 The 4 Types of Roadblocks

Obstacles along the path to achieving a goal are often depicted as hurdles — things you can jump over or navigate around with a small amount of effort.

In reality, obstacles come in 4 shapes and sizes. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

🪨 Stumblers

Like the rocks and tree roots that trip you up on a nature walk, stumblers include small obstacles you can usually recover from pretty quickly.

You’re more likely to encounter a stumbler if you’re distracted or not paying attention. You might also feel a little embarrassed afterward, but that’s okay — stumbling is part of being human!

Example: Replying to an email to add the important file you forgot to attach

🚧 Hurdles

These types of roadblocks may seem more intimidating or challenging than they actually are. You can usually jump over them or find another way around them.

Example: Applying for a different scholarship after getting rejected for the first one

🧱 Brick walls

These include tougher challenges that require specialist tools and knowledge to break through.

When you encounter a brick wall, you might have to turn back for your tools. You might already know what tools you need, or you might have to do some research to find out.

Example: Preparing to retake an important exam after failing initially

🏰 Fortresses

These are the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that require expert-level skills to break through.

At this point, you might have to turn back and spend some time acquiring the tools and skills needed to break into the fortress. You might also need some support and guidance from more experienced people.

Example: Successfully fixing a critical website error when you have no web development knowledge

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Now, here’s how to break through each type of roadblock!

🥷 5 Tips for Breaking Through Every Block

• 🤔 Stay curious — People who are eager to learn can master any skill or tool. To quote the great Bob Ross, “Anything you put your mind to, you can do.”

• ⚗️ Tinker and experiment — This is especially important for bigger roadblocks. Often, the best way to learn is by doing, not simply researching — so don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!

• ☕️ Take breaks when you’re stuck — Sometimes, solving a problem requires input from your subconscious mind. So do something else for a bit, and the answer might come to you “randomly”.

• 👯 Seek feedback from others — You might be too close to a problem to understand how to solve it effectively. Constructive feedback from someone you trust might be your lightbulb moment!

• 🗣️ Talk to yourself — Talking yourself through challenges — whether out loud, in your head, or in a journal — will help you cultivate self-trust and solve your problem quicker. Check out our previous send on the Rubber Duck Method.

🪅 Flocus Picks

A curated list of things worth sharing.

• Overcoming Obstacles (Video) — This 4-minute TEDx talk by Steven Claunch is a spoonful of motivation for breaking through any roadblock

• The Daily Refresh (Podcast) — Each snappy episode of The Daily Refresh includes a daily quote, gratitude exercise, and meditation to start your day on a mindful note. We particularly like the Oct. 24 episode!

• A Simple 3-Step Process for Handling Daily Challenges (Article) — This short yet value-packed read explores why it’s dangerous to avoid obstacles, plus more ways to conquer them

✨ Flocus: Your Personal Productivity Dashboard

Every roadblock is a chance to grow! Whether you’re tackling stumblers or fortresses, we’ve got tools to keep you moving forward. Plan your day with an easy task list, stay focused with the customizable timer, and recharge with serene ambient worlds and soundscapes.

Now that you know the different types of roadblocks and how to break through them, it’s time to get out there and start smashing through some of those pesky obstacles.

Good luck on the path — we’re here to cheer you on!

Until next Sunday,

Flocus Team