Obstacles to Expect When Pursuing Your Goals
Pursuing meaningful goals is never without its challenges; never. Many successful people, whether in life or in business, have faced seasons of discouragement that nearly caused them to quit. What set them apart was not the absence of problems but their decision to press forward with resilience and faith in the middle of struggles and setbacks. As you set out to achieve your own goals, especially in entrepreneurship, it is wise to prepare for the inevitable obstacles that may arise. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:9, "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Challenges will come, but quitting does not have to be an option.
Here are three common categories of problems you can expect and how to face them with wisdom and spiritual insight.
Financial Setbacks
Finances are one of the most common and pressing challenges entrepreneurs face. Many dream-filled ideas remain unfulfilled because of a lack of capital or sustainable financial support. Whether you are launching a business, expanding a ministry, or funding a creative project, managing resources wisely is essential.
In Luke 14:28, Jesus offers practical wisdom that applies to entrepreneurship. He says, "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?" This verse teaches us the importance of planning and counting the cost before beginning any endeavor.
Avoid rushing into opportunities that seem attractive but lack proper financial backing. Instead, take time to develop a sound strategy that includes startup costs, operational expenses, and an emergency reserve. Learn to steward your resources and wait for the right timing rather than forcing things to happen prematurely. God provides, but He also expects us to plan with diligence and patience.
Relational Challenges
People are central to every vision. Even if your plan is solid, working with the wrong team or encountering interpersonal conflict can slow progress or even derail your goals. As an entrepreneur or professional woman, you will likely encounter individuals who do not share your vision, work ethic, or integrity. These moments can be frustrating, but they are also opportunities to grow in leadership.
Romans 12:18 says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." This means doing your part to maintain the peace in every situation while also recognizing when someone is not aligned with your mission.
To navigate relational challenges, invest time in learning how to lead with compassion and clarity. Assign roles that suit people's strengths and maintain clear communication. Recognize that everyone has unique motivations and capacities, and seek to build bridges rather than walls. Choose your core team wisely. Do not ignore warning signs such as dishonesty, laziness, or rebellion. These traits can damage the culture of your business and hinder your progress.
Seek mentorship from seasoned professionals who have already navigated the relational dynamics of leadership. Their experience can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes and guide you through conflict resolution in ways that honor God.
Environmental and Unexpected Setbacks
Life is unpredictable. There are situations that no business plan or strategic mind can prevent. Natural disasters, illness, economic downturns, government policy shifts, theft, fraud, or even personal tragedy can disrupt your plans. These external forces are outside your control, but they do not have to control you.
Ecclesiastes 11:4 warns us, "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." Waiting for perfect conditions will paralyze your progress. At the same time, wisdom calls us to build margin and flexibility into our plans. Always have contingency strategies and backup options in case your original path becomes blocked.
Rather than fearing the unknown, embrace the reality that these moments can build endurance and deepen your faith. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (James 1:2-4). This perseverance will mature you and make you more equipped to handle future seasons of uncertainty.
In business, this may look like diversifying income streams, securing insurance coverage, setting realistic deadlines, or building remote operations. Be creative, adaptable, and hopeful. Even in crisis, God can redirect your steps for His greater purpose.
Action Steps for Overcoming Obstacles
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Pray for wisdom daily. Ask God to lead every decision and give you discernment before committing resources or partnerships.
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Create a written business plan. This will be your guide. Include projections, contingency options, and financial goals.
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Surround yourself with wise, godly counsel. Choose mentors, advisors, coaches, or a small business group that can offer support and accountability.
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Invest in your development. Read books, attend workshops, join groups, and learn to manage people with grace and authority.
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Build spiritual resilience. Meditate on Scripture, journal your journey, and focus on the Word of the Lord and your "why" when challenges arise.
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Practice gratitude in hardship. Reflect on what God has already done and let that fuel your faith for what is ahead.
What's the What?
Every dream worth pursuing will face resistance. Financial burdens, relational friction, and unexpected trials are all part of the journey. But when your foundation is faith in God and your vision is anchored in His purpose, no obstacle is insurmountable. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans" (Proverbs 16:3)
You are not alone on the path to fulfilling your God-designed assignment. Stay faithful, stay focused, and keep moving forward.
Declare and Decree
I am called, equipped, and empowered by God to overcome every challenge. No setback can stop what God has started in me. I walk by faith and not by sight.
It's time to BOSS up and take your power back as you journey to empowerment and success by walking in your God-designed purpose. I hope this blog post has inspired you to take action and begin to live your dreams out loud! Remember to spread the word and share this blog. Together, let's build a community of powerful, unstoppable women. So hit that like and share button, and let's start a revolution of women who Boldly Overcome Struggles and Setbacks, as we positively transform ourselves Body, Occupation, Soul, and Spirit.
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Be Encouraged!
Dr. Breanna BOSS James
Psl. 37
Break Free and Discover the Real You and Achieve Your Desired Success! www.BreakingFreeBoldly.com
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"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." -W. Wilson
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