Manifestation Part 3: Remove Obstacles

This article is the third instalment of our Manifestation Series. To recap, we began with discussing the importance of focusing your attention on what’s important, whilst avoiding the constant bombardment of distractions that are competing for your attention and negative information designed to draw you in. The second article discussed getting clear on what you want and not being limited by your current beliefs and really focusing on what you are truly capable of. In this piece we move the spotlight to the importance of removing obstacles as you make your way along the journey from where you are to where you want to be.

This is where the work starts, and demonstrates the difference between those who spend their time idealising what they want and those who are ready to roll up their sleeves and take on the challenges and confront the obstacles that are inevitably going to get in your way. The idea of manifesting, or achieving your goals isn’t just about focusing on what you want, or envisioning success; it’s about addressing the subconscious and environmental obstacles that hinder progress. Although it would be nice to just imagine your dreams into existence, you need to spend the time to identify and remove the obstacles that are going to stand in your way. These obstacles aren’t always external; often they are internal, rooted in our subconscious, self-sabotaging beliefs and habits. Formed from an early age based on how you interacted with the world, how you made sense of it and your place in it, along with how significant role models interacted with you. These early or past experiences have developed deep seated assumptions that form many of the limiting beliefs that are holding you back. For example, if you grew up hearing “money doesn’t grow on trees,” you might subconsciously believe financial success is unattainable or outside of your control. If you believe “I’m not good at learning new skills,” your brain will deprioritize learning opportunities and influence your learning behaviours, leading to confirmation of your belief. And so the cycle continues.

The positive news is that these beliefs are malleable, although it may take some work, but our perception of ourselves, the world and how we fit into it is merely perceptual, which means it is open to change. The beliefs themselves are stored within the brain’s limbic system, which governs emotions and memories and to overcome them, you need to bring these beliefs into conscious awareness. There are several methods that you can use to identify and change these beliefs; journaling, self-reflection, questioning if what you believe is really true, looking for conflicting information, changing the language you use about yourself and your abilities and seeking a peer group who display the beliefs and behaviours you would like embody. Becoming aware of and confronting these beliefs can be difficult and is often a process, however once you let go of them, the impact can be remarkable. For instance, if you previously believed “I’m bad at public speaking,” start affirming, “I’m confident and articulate when speaking to others.” Over time, these new neural pathways become stronger, and the old beliefs fade.

Environmental obstacles also play a role. Your surroundings significantly impact focus and productivity. For instance, an environment high in distraction can increase cognitive load and divert your attention from focusing on the important tasks to achieve your goal. Simplifying and organising your environment reduces decision fatigue, freeing up mental resources. Understanding future obstacles and preparing to overcome or negotiate can also alleviate future friction points. As you change or replace beliefs and behaviours, there will be inevitable consequences, these will create obstacles. These obstacles will be where your limiting beliefs and discipline for change will be challenged most. It will be the uncomfortable battle of your journey. Unless you are mentally prepared for this and have contingency plans for the hard days and the potential points of friction you are likely to resort back to your old habits and beliefs, and risk reinforcing them. This is likely to be the toughest hurdle and if the power of your motivation to change does not exceed the pain of change you are likely to quit. This is one of the biggest reasons that people fail in goal setting or new year’s resolutions; they have a goal, just not a plan. Particularly for when it gets tough.

Finally, work on the behaviours that will develop the habits that align with your goals. Habits are formed through repeated actions that eventually become automatic through forming efficient neural pathways. The key is to start small and repeat consistently over time – consistent effort compounds over time.

By addressing and eliminating both internal and external obstacles, understanding future points of friction and being prepared, you can allow your brain to fully commit its resources and focus toward your goals and ultimate success.

Written by Dr Dan Cooper