Whenever something meaningful gets accomplished, it’s because someone successfully planned, prepared, and followed through.
But most projects never reach the finish line. Not because they were impossible, but because they were derailed by one or more common — often self-imposed — obstacles.
Let’s look at the biggest barriers to progress and how to recognize them when they sneak into your life.
Over-Optimism
The Problem: Being overly optimistic can lead you to make faulty assumptions about how easy or fast a task will be.
Example: A first-time app developer assumes building an app will take two weeks with no bugs — without factoring in testing, user feedback, or platform restrictions. The project stalls when complications arise, and timelines get blown.
Paralyzing Pessimism
The Problem: Assuming something can’t be done often means you never even try — or you give up too early.
Example: An artist avoids applying for grants, convinced they’ll be rejected. Meanwhile, others with similar talent secure funding simply because they took a shot.
Procrastination
The Problem: Thinking about a project while doing other things is not the same as doing the project.
Example: You keep telling yourself you’ll write your book “when things slow down,” but years pass and not a single chapter gets written.
Lack of Money
The Problem: Without adequate funding, your efforts can be half-baked or wasted entirely.
Example: A baker tries to launch a custom cake business without budgeting for marketing, refrigeration, or delivery — then wonders why orders never come.
Lack of Time
The Problem: You underestimate how long something will take — or fail to make time for it at all.
Example: A team sets a launch date for a website without accounting for time to revise content, test functionality, or deal with unexpected bugs. The launch fails.
💡 Tip: Use backward planning. Start with your deadline and map out each task with built-in buffer time.
The Job is Too Big
The Problem: Looking at a massive project as a single chunk can feel overwhelming and discouraging. It is better to break a big job into individual tasks.
Example: A homeowner wants to renovate their entire house but never starts because it feels like too much. Breaking it into room-by-room tasks could make it manageable.
The Job is Too Small
The Problem: Ironically, tiny tasks often get ignored in favor of “bigger priorities.”
Example: You put off changing a lightbulb in your hallway for weeks because it seems so minor — until you trip one night and sprain your ankle.
Poor Technique
The Problem: Without the right skills or process, even the best ideas can fail in execution.
Example: Someone launches an online store with no knowledge of SEO, product photography, or user experience. The site looks amateur, and sales never materialize.
Failure to Prepare
The Problem: Having a good plan isn’t enough — you also need to gather your resources and set the stage.
Example: A community organizer plans a fundraising event but forgets to book the venue and confirm volunteers. The event fizzles before it starts.
Lack of Focus or Commitment
The Problem: If you or your team aren’t truly invested, progress will stall or quality will suffer.
Example: A group of friends decides to launch a podcast, but no one takes ownership of editing or marketing. After two episodes, enthusiasm fades — and the project dies.
Final Thought
The old saying holds true: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
But the will must be paired with realism, preparation, and persistent action.
If you want to make something happen, identify and eliminate these obstacles before they stop you.
About Duke Wells
Duke is a highly successful entrepreneur who has founded or managed over a dozen businesses in both the United States and The Bahamas.
