Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it."

Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan Professional Basketball Player
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
The essence of the quote is about persistence and resilience in the face of challenges. When you're striving to reach a goal, you're bound to encounter obstacles. Everyone does. But the key is to not let these roadblocks deter you. Instead, find a way to overcome them—whether that's by climbing over, breaking through, or finding another path around.

Think about this: you're working on a big project at work, something you're really excited about. Maybe it's a new initiative that could really change things for your company. But then, you hit a snag. Maybe it's a budget cut, or a key team member leaves, or the technology just isn't cooperating. It's easy to feel frustrated and deflated. But this quote is telling you that this is just part of the process. Every successful person has hit walls like these. It's the ones who figure out a way to keep going who ultimately succeed.

Historically, there are countless examples of this. Take Thomas Edison, for instance. He famously failed thousands of times before finally inventing the light bulb. Imagine if he had given up after the first few failures. We might still be living in darkness! Edison's story is a powerful reminder that persistence pays off, even when the obstacles seem insurmountable.

Let's make it even more real. Picture a high school basketball team aiming for the championship. They're doing great, but then their star player gets injured halfway through the season. It's a huge blow. They could see this as a sign to give up on their dreams of winning. But instead, they rally together. They train harder, support each other, and figure out new strategies to cover for their missing teammate. In the end, they make it to the finals and win. Their victory is even sweeter because they overcame such a tough obstacle.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, recognize that obstacles are a natural part of any journey. Expect them. When they show up, don’t panic or see them as a sign that you should quit. Instead, take a step back and analyze the situation. What are your options? Can you find a new approach? Is there someone who can help you? Sometimes, just taking a break and coming back with fresh eyes can reveal a solution you hadn't seen before.

Here's a story to bring it home. Imagine you're a writer working on your first novel. You're halfway through and suddenly, you hit writer's block. The words just won't come. You stare at the blank page and feel like giving up. But then you remember this quote. You decide to try something different. You take a break and go for a long walk. You talk to other writers about their experiences. You experiment with writing at different times of the day. Slowly but surely, the ideas start flowing again. You finish your novel and it's better than you ever imagined.

The bottom line? When you hit a wall, don’t turn around. Instead, take a deep breath and figure out the best way to get past it. Climb over it, break through it, or find a way around it. You’ve got this. Life is full of obstacles, but each one is an opportunity to grow and learn. Keep pushing forward, and you'll achieve more than you ever thought possible.
Related tags
Achievement Determination Goal setting Motivation Overcoming obstacles Perseverance Personal growth Positive mindset Problem solving Resilience
MORE QUOTES BY Michael Jordan
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon