When the Going Gets Tough, You’re on the Right Track

By Tim Ikels

Last Updated: December 20, 2024

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Ever notice that the toughest parts of your journey are where most people throw in the towel?

Here’s the reality: if things are getting tough, you’re probably on the edge of a breakthrough.

Think of it like a test—one that’s secretly designed to shake off your competition. When others get cold feet and back out, you’re left with a huge advantage if you just keep going.

Obstacles Are Where You Leave Your Competition Behind

Here’s the thing: obstacles aren’t the end of the road; they’re a chance to build something that most people don’t have the stomach for.

And that’s exactly where you’re going to start leaving everyone else behind.

Why Most People Quit When It Gets Hard

People love comfort. They’ll go all-in as long as it’s easy.

But the second things get bumpy, they start looking for exits. They rationalize, “Maybe this isn’t for me,” or “It shouldn’t be this hard.” And that’s the critical point. If they drop out, that’s one less person on the path.

The competition thins out naturally.

Tough Spots Are Just Signals

Obstacles aren’t signals to stop; they’re actually signs that you’re pushing into territory where others haven’t succeeded. The challenge is a signal you’re entering the exact place where most of your competitors have dropped off. The mountain’s steepest right before you reach the peak.

What separates success from “close, but not quite” is the ability to turn obstacles into stepping stones.

Those moments where you feel pressure, frustration, or like you’re up against the wall? Those are indicators that you’re close to making something others can’t or won’t replicate.

Practical Tips to Thrive When Things Get Tough

  1. Take One Step at a Time: Just focus on the next actionable step. Complexity is a killer of momentum. Keep it simple, one move at a time.

  2. Expect Resistance, Embrace It: Think of resistance as part of the process. You should feel some friction—that’s the price of progress. Take it as confirmation that you’re not on a “tourist route.”

  3. Don’t Confuse Setbacks with Failure: Obstacles and setbacks are not failures. They’re lessons. If a path doesn’t work, adjust, but don’t abandon. Most people confuse “this way didn’t work” with “nothing will work.”

  4. Remember: Most People Won’t Bother – 90% of people will take the easy way. By choosing to stick with it, you’re moving into that top 10% who push through discomfort to reap the rewards on the other side.

  5. Use the Tough Spots to Create Distance – Imagine each obstacle as an opportunity to widen the gap between you and everyone else who’s struggling. The harder it gets, the fewer people will follow. These moments are where you create your advantage.

The Power of Perseverance

Imagine you’re running a race. Most runners fall behind when the hill gets steep.

If you have the grit to push through when others don’t, you’re creating distance—not just physically, but in your results, too.

Your competition dwindles, and your lead grows. This mindset will make you unstoppable because where they quit, you’ve just started.

Final Word

So next time you’re tempted to throw in the towel, realize that tough times are just the confirmation that you’re on the right path. It’s like a secret filter designed to test who really wants it. You’ve got what it takes to make it through to the other side.

The rewards are waiting—right after the obstacles.


Ready to build your own breakthrough? Check out my book, The Automatic Lead Machine, and discover how one simple, short book can take your lead generation to the next level, regardless of the obstacles.

Don’t miss out—this is your time to lead the pack.

Best,
Tim