How to Overcome Challenges to Achieve Your Goals
Author: Hannah Cooke
Published: 2018/03/06 - Updated: 2023/09/28
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Disability Sports Information - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: In the lead up to Sammi Kinghorn's participation in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, Sammi has written a piece on How to Overcome Challenges to Achieve your Goals. I perceive obstacles as simply challenges to be met head-on and overcome and I've always relished a challenge. Acceptance of these as challenges makes the thought of them far less scary as you're already prepared for them.
Introduction
Paralympian and World Record Holder Sammi Kinghorn, was paralysed from the waist downwards at aged 14. She is now regarded as one of the leading wheelchair racers in the world after facing her challenges and overcoming obstacles head-on. In the lead up to her participation in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, Sammi has written a piece on "How to Overcome Challenges to Achieve your Goals".
Main Item
Do Your Research
If a major competition is coming up I find out what I need to do to get there and plan to achieve it.
When thinking about your goals and what you want to achieve, whether it's achieving a PB or getting that next promotion, think about the steps you need to take in order to achieve this and pre-empt any potential obstacles or hurdles that might get in the way so there are no surprises.
Break Down Your Goals
My coach and I set performance targets annually and review them at the end of the year, but I also set targets for myself on a daily, weekly and yearly basis which helps me keep focused. Break down the ultimate goal into smaller goals and then break those down further into actions that can be adopted into your daily life.
See Obstacles as a Challenge
I perceive obstacles as simply challenges to be met head-on and overcome and I've always relished a challenge. Acceptance of these as challenges makes the thought of them far less scary as you're already prepared for them.
Stay Mentally Strong
During moments when I feel low and exhausted, I tell myself that all my competitors are also training that day so I need to motivate myself to continue. It can be hard to mentally motivate yourself but breaking down your goals into smaller tasks will help them seem less overwhelming.
Lean on Your Support
I'm lucky that I'm surrounded by a lot of very supportive people who have been there for me during the highs and lows of my career. Don't be afraid to lean on people when things get tough, but also to help celebrate achievements to help motivate you to continue to work towards your goals. Everybody faces challenges at some point in their life and talking through these with people can often help them seem less overwhelming.
Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Hannah Cooke and published on 2018/03/06, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, Hannah Cooke can be contacted at hannah.c@atom42.co.uk NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.