Obstacles don’t block the path, they are the path

Adaptability, jNotes

Life is filled with annoying things, annoying people, and annoying responsibilities. There’s too much to do, not enough time to do it, and at every step; an obstacle. Our default is frustration. We get mad at these obstacles. We blame them for keeping us from our goals. “Why do I get all the obstacles when that other guy gets it so easy?”

“Obstacles don’t block the path, they are the path.“
– Zen Proverb

Maybe we should recognize that these obstacles are unavoidable features of life. Through them we change and grow. Maybe we can see them for what they truly are; opportunities.

The times we learn are the times when we struggle. If we choose to view obstacles as puzzles, challenges or simply as more experiences that we pass along our way, we might just relieve the pain we think they cause.

“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
– Marcus Aurelius

Obstacles aren’t bugs, they’re features.

Burn the ships

Burn the ships

Adaptability, jNotes

The story goes that in 1519, Hernán Cortés arrived on the coast of what is now Mexico with a small force of Spanish soldiers. They were about to face down the powerful Aztec Empire, vastly outnumbered and in completely unfamiliar territory.

To prevent retreat, Cortés ordered his men to destroy their ships. The idea was simple; there was no turning back. The only path was forward; either conquer or die. “Burn the ships” means to eliminate any option of turning back, forcing full commitment to a course of action or choice.

When faced with a big decision in life (career, relationships, investing) it’s natural to want a safety net. Having a backup plan feels like the smart move. The presence of a backup plan could be the very thing keeping us from being fully committed to a choice. We waffle, we procrastinate, we stall.

Backup plans offer comfort, not clarity. They make the unknown feel manageable. That comfort often leads to delay, distraction, and diluted effort. When a Plan B exists, Plan A becomes optional. It’s easy to convince ourselves we’re making progress when really, we’re just going in circles.

“Burning the ships” eliminates the easy way out. It forces action and focus. You can only go forward, so get going. It’s not about being reckless; it’s about commitment.

If there’s something important you’ve been putting off, ask yourself: what would change if there were no way back? Maybe it’s time to burn the ships.