Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't
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.
Hear the mighty words of Michael Jordan, champion of the courts and teacher of perseverance: “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.” In this declaration is found the ancient law of endurance—that no barrier is final, and no trial undefeatable to the one who refuses surrender. For the obstacle is not the end of the path, but the test that proves the worth of the traveler.
The wall he names is the symbol of all that resists us: failure, doubt, hardship, betrayal. To the faint of heart, the wall is a command to stop, a decree of destiny. But to the steadfast, the wall is not a tomb but a challenge, a riddle demanding solution. Shall you climb? Shall you break through? Shall you bend your course and find another way? In this question lies the mark of greatness.
Jordan’s teaching is forged from his own journey, for he knew setbacks, losses, and defeats, yet he never bowed to them. He reminds us that to give up is to betray the gift within, while to persist is to awaken the giant that sleeps in every soul. The true champion is not the one who never meets resistance, but the one who never lets resistance decide his fate.
Thus, the path forward is not to flee but to figure out—to think, to strive, to adapt. Wisdom lies not only in strength but in cunning, not only in power but in creativity. For the one who can change his way without abandoning his goal is unconquerable. To work around is no less noble than to break through, for both are victories of will over despair.
Let this wisdom be carried through the generations: every obstacle is an invitation to rise higher. The wall that blocks today becomes the monument of triumph tomorrow. Do not despair when you meet resistance, but see it as the fire that refines your spirit. For those who climb, who endure, who refuse to be turned aside, the world itself must one day yield.
MPMo Pham
This quote really resonates with me because it's all about resilience and adaptability. However, I wonder if it’s always possible to find a way around or through a wall. Sometimes, we’re faced with circumstances outside our control. How do we differentiate between a challenge that can be overcome and a situation that requires a change in direction? Is there a line between pushing through and knowing when to pivot?
DLdang luu
Michael Jordan’s perspective on overcoming obstacles is so motivating. It makes me think about how many times we give up too soon, thinking the roadblock is insurmountable. But what if the wall is actually a sign we need to shift our mindset or approach? How do we stay focused on the solution, instead of getting discouraged by the problem itself?
QN29. Doan Ngoc Quynh Nhu
This quote speaks to the heart of persistence and determination. The idea of figuring out how to go through, around, or over obstacles is powerful. But what happens when we keep hitting the same wall and it feels like we’re stuck? At what point does persistence turn into stubbornness? How do we know when it’s time to step back and reassess our approach?
DQVo Thi Diem Quynh
I love the resilience in this quote. It's a great reminder that obstacles are a part of life and they don’t have to defeat us. But sometimes, when we face a wall, it’s easy to feel like giving up is the only option. How do we train ourselves to keep going when the challenge seems too big to overcome? Is it just a matter of perspective or is there a practical strategy for pushing through?