By: HAYIM MIZRACHI, CCIM – CEO| Principal | Broker
Often times the only difference between a steppingstone and a roadblock is our perspective. Many times, once you find the lesson in the challenge and use it to move forward, a roadblock magically transforms into a steppingstone!
Below are two lists. The first list is a series of statements on how to distinguish between a steppingstone and a roadblock. The second is the same list but turned into questions. By turning the statements into questions, the list becomes a tool that you can use to shift your perspective.
The second list is actually a tool that you can use. Here is how to use it. Think about your steppingstone or roadblock and filter it through these questions. You will be much clearer if it’s just a steppingstone that is helping you on your way, or an actual roadblock that will cause you to reconsider the path you’re on. Pro-tip, don’t do this exercise when you’re tired. Everything feels like a roadblock when we’re not at our best.
Steppingstone:
It serves a purpose in your personal or professional growth. Even if it’s difficult, it moves you forward and closer to your goals.
It offers a chance to learn something new, develop a skill, or gain experience.
It is usually temporary and can be overcome with effort and strategy.
You feel motivated to overcome it, even if it’s tough, because you know it’s part of a larger journey.
You often have the power to use it to your advantage, learning from it or using it to propel yourself forward.
You can usually find tools, people, or resources to help you get over it.
Roadblock:
It serves no purpose other than to stop progress or lead you off course. It may need to be removed or bypassed to continue your journey.
It causes frustration and doesn’t seem to provide any valuable lessons or ways to grow.
It seems insurmountable or permanent, requiring a significant change in direction or approach.
It might make you feel stuck or helpless, leading to a negative mindset.
It may be outside your control and requires a reevaluation of your path or goals.
It might seem like there’s no support available, and it’s hard to find help to move past it.
Steppingstone:
Does it serve a purpose in my personal or professional growth? Even if it’s difficult, does it move me forward and closer to my goals?
Does this offer me a chance to learn something new, develop a skill, or gain experience?
Is this temporary and can it be overcome with effort and strategy?
Am I motivated to overcome it, even if it’s tough, because I know it’s part of a larger journey?
I do have the power to use it to my advantage, learning from it or using it to propel me forward?
Can I find tools, people, or resources to help me get over it?
Roadblock:
Does this serve any purpose other than to stop progress or lead me off course. Does it need to be removed or bypassed to continue my journey?
Does this cause frustration and doesn’t seem to provide any valuable lessons or ways to grow?
Is this insurmountable or permanent, requiring a significant change in my direction or approach?
Do I feel stuck or helpless, leading to a negative mindset?
Is this outside of my control and requires a reevaluation of my path or goals?
Is there no support available, can I find help to move past it?
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