In the journey of personal and professional growth, we often encounter obstacles that seem insurmountable. These obstacles, known as outer or external blocks, are circumstances beyond our control that can significantly impact our plans and aspirations. Understanding and managing these outer blocks is crucial to maintaining our momentum and harnessing positive energy in the face of adversity.
“While you cannot control the outer blocks you encounter, you possess the power to transform your response, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.”
What Are Outer Blocks?
Outer blocks are those external factors that influence our lives and goals from the outside. These can include economic conditions, workplace dynamics, health issues, and societal changes. Unlike inner blocks, which stem from our beliefs and attitudes, outer blocks are not within our direct control. Examples of outer blocks include:
- Economic Conditions: A downturn in the economy can restrict access to necessary resources, making it challenging to start or expand a business.
- Workplace Dynamics: Unexpected absences, such as a coworker being out on disability, can disrupt project timelines and workloads.
- Health and Environmental Factors: Natural disasters, pandemics, or personal health crises can derail even the most meticulously planned endeavors.
The Impact of Outer Blocks on Our Energy
The presence of outer blocks can elicit a range of emotional responses. When we perceive these external factors as insurmountable barriers, it can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and stress. This response generates catabolic energy, a draining and destructive form of energy that can hinder our progress and well-being.
Catabolic energy is characterized by negative emotions and thoughts that deplete our mental and physical resources. When we dwell on the unfairness or difficulty of outer blocks, we create an internal environment of resistance and negativity. This not only affects our personal mindset but can also influence our interactions with others, further compounding the challenges we face.
Transforming Catabolic Energy into Anabolic Energy
While we cannot always change the outer blocks we encounter, we can shift our perspective and response to these challenges. Transforming catabolic energy into anabolic energy—constructive and empowering energy—requires a conscious effort to reframe our thoughts and actions.
- Acknowledge and Accept: The first step in transforming our energy is to acknowledge the presence of outer blocks and accept that they are beyond our control. Acceptance does not mean resignation but rather a recognition of reality, allowing us to focus on what we can influence.
- Shift Your Perspective: Instead of viewing outer blocks as insurmountable obstacles, try to see them as opportunities for growth and learning. Ask yourself how these challenges can foster resilience, creativity, and innovation.
- Focus on Solutions: Concentrate on what you can do rather than what you cannot. Identify actionable steps that can mitigate the impact of outer blocks. This proactive approach empowers you to take control of your response and reduces feelings of helplessness.
- Seek Support: Leverage your network and resources. Collaborating with others can provide new insights and solutions that you may not have considered on your own. Support from colleagues, mentors, and friends can also bolster your resilience.
- Practice Self-Care: Managing external challenges requires maintaining your own well-being. Prioritize activities that recharge your energy, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. A healthy mind and body are better equipped to handle stress and adversity.
Conclusion
Outer blocks are an inevitable part of life, but they do not have to dictate our success or happiness. By recognizing the impact of these external factors and consciously transforming our response, we can shift from catabolic to anabolic energy. This positive energy enables us to navigate challenges with resilience, creativity, and a proactive mindset.
Remember, while you may not control the external circumstances, you have the power to control how you respond to them. Embrace outer blocks as opportunities for growth, and you will find that they can propel you forward rather than hold you back.
*Based on my interpretation of the iPEC framework. I work with clients on strategies to overcome outer blocks and other obstacles holding them back. Schedule a call if you’d like to discuss this or other ways coaching might benefit you.
