There’s always a moment when it gets difficult. Not just a little tricky, but that “oh, this might actually be impossible” kind of hard. It’s the kind of wall you want to throw yourself against – or walk away from quietly and pretend it isn’t there. Sometimes running or quitting is perfectly sensible – it has survival value. Other times, it’s exactly what keeps you small and feeling insignificant.
Life has a habit of sending these blocks – both inside your head and out in the world. Some are tiny hurdles you can skip over without noticing.
Others are more theatrical: missed deadlines, impossible people, unexpected expenses, accidents, or your own stubborn fear.
These are tests, not punishments, designed to see if you’ll step up or step aside.
The trick is knowing which is which.
Do you take the challenge or fold? Often, leaning in is where the magic happens. That’s where you grow, refine your skills, strengthen your self-understanding, and maybe even discover a smidge of self-love you didn’t know was hiding under the panic.
Folding sometimes makes sense, but leaning in—strategically—is how you evolve.
So, how do you decide?
Start with honesty.
Ask yourself: is this a personal trap? A fear triggered by long-term conditioning, recent bullying, or a messy childhood? Or is it just a moment of indecision or insecurity? Then consider the external side: obstacles created by other people, bad timing, or plain bad luck. Both are real, both are serious, both deserve attention.
Recognise them both for what they are. Don’t minimise them as “just in your head” nor over-dramatise them as cruel fate. They’re challenges, waiting for your response. And your response – whether to calmly step aside or make a determined push forward – is the part that shapes you.
So, when the wall looms large and quitting seems tempting, remember: these blocks are seriously bad news, but they’re also invitations to move and grow.
They’re the universe’s bloody minded way of saying, “You want to grow? Here’s your test.”
Step carefully and step cleverly, and remember it’s all part of the fun.
Lizzy Agatha 