How Your Obstacle Can Be Your Way
“You can look at things with reality and still choose to grow.”
- Dan Rochon
Episode Summary
Working as a salesperson or entrepreneur can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the world—but it can also bring moments that test every ounce of your patience and belief. The truth is, no matter how successful you are, there will be days when everything feels like it’s collapsing at once. Deals fall through. Calls don’t get returned. Personal challenges pile up. And you’re left thinking, “This just sucks.”
But here’s something I’ve learned through every season of challenge: you can acknowledge that things suck without believing that the world sucks. That simple distinction can change your entire perspective.
The Lesson from the Boulder
There’s an old Zen story I love sharing.
A king, frustrated that his people had grown soft and entitled, decided to teach them a lesson. He placed a massive boulder in the middle of the road leading into the city—completely blocking the way—and then hid nearby to watch how people would respond.
Most turned away. Some cursed their luck or blamed the king. Others tried halfheartedly to move the rock before giving up.
Then, after several days, a lone peasant approached. He didn’t complain. He didn’t walk away. Instead, he tried to move the boulder. When that didn’t work, he went into the woods, found a sturdy branch, and used it as a lever to push the rock aside.
Underneath the boulder was a bag of gold and a note from the king:
“The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Never forget, every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our conditions.”
That story captures something powerful. The very thing standing in your way might actually be the thing leading you forward—if you choose to see it that way.
Turning Struggle into Strength
So, what’s holding you back?
Is it your finances? Your fear? Your uncertainty? Maybe it’s your experience—or your lack of it. Maybe it’s something physical, or maybe it’s all in your head.
Whatever that obstacle is, it’s real. But it doesn’t define you.
In the past two weeks alone, I’ve faced situations that could’ve easily stopped me—financial stress, personal setbacks, moments that made me question what’s next. But here’s the reality: it’s not about whether life throws challenges your way; it’s about whether you stop when they show up.
When things get tough, you have two choices:
You can look at your obstacle and say, “This is where I stop.”
Or you can say, “This is where I grow.”
Growth doesn’t come from pretending things are fine. It comes from facing them head-on. You can look at reality, acknowledge it, and still choose to act, learn, and adapt.
There’s a huge difference between saying, “I’m in a world of suck,” and “the world sucks.” The first is honest; the second is defeatist. One opens the door to action, the other closes it.
The Decision That Changes Everything
I recently revisited a book called The Gift by Edith Eger. She was a Holocaust survivor who later became a clinical psychologist, helping soldiers overcome trauma. Her message is simple but profound: you can either be a victim or a survivor—but you can’t be both.
Victims look back. Survivors look forward.
Every day, you have that choice. You can look at what’s in front of you and decide whether it’s there to stop you or shape you. Because when you understand that your obstacle is your way, you stop waiting for things to get easier—and start becoming stronger instead.
Final Thoughts
The next time you face something difficult, ask yourself:
What can I learn from this?
What can I accept?
What can I do right now?
The answers to those questions will guide you through any “world of suck” you find yourself in.
If you want to dive deeper into strategies that help you lead, influence, and overcome obstacles in both business and life, grab a copy of my book Teach to Sell.
It’s a practical guide to mastering the art of communication and leadership—helping you turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth.
