No matter what business you are in, there are many OBSTACLES that threaten to stop your progress. We bring our own RESTRICTIONSfrom disabilities to lack of awareness of technology, to the table.

There are two things I've learned about barriers: one, the unexpected usually appears at the worst possible times; and two, the simplest thing can bring even the most confident of leaders to their knees. Here are three ways to conquer some of the biggest challenges you're likely to face in business.

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How to deal with feeling stuck

Like most executives, my business depends on digital connectivity. This is especially challenging for me as I am one Legally blind CEO. I have multiple technologies that give me audio access to everything from email to documents. I even have a barcode on my spice bottles at home so I know the difference between saffron and cinnamon. However, when it comes to technology, the unexpected has become the expected for me and anyone who depends on it. When technology fails, the price is not only frustration, but also wasted time, wasted money, and missed deadlines.

When a technological issues seems impossible to solve, I've learned to ignore the chatbot, “discover” available contacts – email, customer service number, support ticket, other contact pages or search engine information – and hope for at least one attempt to attract attention. Another strategy is to research other people's responses to your problem. Chances are if you're frustrated, other users are complaining too. Check out blogs, online groups, comment sections, and forums where people are talking about the topic you want to learn about.

But you can feel locked out even when the technology works, especially if, like me, you have a limitation such as vision or hearing loss; or, perhaps you are a divergent learner. In these cases, it is important to stay on your feet. More than once, a business partner's dependence on a single content management system has disenfranchised me, shutting down all communication. You can do everything right and still hit a wall. When that happens, you have choices. Try to negotiate a compromise. If your network partner doesn't budge, shake things up and find another partner. In fact, your willingness to cancel services or end alliances may bring a delayed but much-needed response. However delayed their action may be, your problem may receive the attention it deserves.

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How to find your voice

If you have a disability, you may find that people often forconsider your limitations. Alternatively, you may choose not to share something so personal, realizing that the danger of this is their high expectations. You may be experiencing grief or worry about a stressful issue at home, or you may feel marginalized because of the prejudices of others. There are many ways we can all feel like we're not really being heard.

You can go a long way in getting others to listen to you by tapping into your winning spirit and finding your voice. The opinions of others, the attitude of executives, and even the bad reports you've read about the company are all external influences. Your voice is more than your speech; Your “voice” is part of your image, the person you intentionally bring to the office every day. When I feel that no one is listening, I mentally tap into the steering wheel internal purpose. The negativity that others put out there does not affect my motivation, why I am in this role or my potential. There are things no one can touch – faith, drive, desire, belief – unless you let them. This winning spirit is what can carry you over conflict. When you come into work knowing you're performing at a different level, you'll set the tone for your team, your department, and ultimately the entire company.

Sometimes, however, you may feel that you cannot handle all the challenges you face. We've all been there. A new leadership role may come your way just as you lose a parent or loved one. You may have a limitation and take on a new role, unsure of how to master dozens of new skills and the complexity of the new position. This is when you need what I call a “trusted advisor.” This could be a mentor, a colleague, a good friend, or a therapist. If you feel like your voice is lost, if you feel like you can't be enough or don't have enough resources to face the challenges with it you don't have to do it alone. Get rid of the idea that asking for help is a sign of weakness. You'll find a way to make yourself heard.

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How to win in catch-up

I learned a long time ago that people design their own the best “self”. or the image they need others to see. Behind this facade, you will find that most everyone experiences challenges. The woman at work who wears the best make-up and the latest fashion suffers from depression. The top seller is actually going through an emotional custody battle. The first myth about playing catch-up is the idea that everyone is ahead of you. This is the first assumption we must all lose.

But let's say you've moved into a new role at work — and you're really falling behind. Everyone else is figuring out the new software or knowing how to manage their time while you're still trying to set up email. First, set your bedtime and work flow and stick to them so they become habits. Next, make a schedule that includes everything. Decide when you will get up, when each task will happen, and how much time you should spend on those things. Build in overtime; quiet moments to recharge your energy. Schedule workouts when they are most beneficial. Relaxation and peace are acquired things; proper planning it reduces anxiety and gives us a sense of accomplishment—and a cause for celebration.

Being legally blind has given me the gift of planning. Since I'm not able to jump in my car and go, I have to think about the steps from waking up and going to my day job to transportation. I also make good use of my time as I have someone to take me to important meetings. This is when I study topics I need or want to learn more about. Podcasts, audiobooks, and relaxing music are just a few ways to make up for what most people call lost or “wasted” time.

Even in the best of situations, you will find obstacles in business; the unexpected will appear in the form of a technological problem, bias or conflict. Barriers often challenge us in rewarding ways, giving us the opportunity to rise above them and apply lessons learned over time to different situations. We must bring the right tools to the workplace, realizing that challenges can be the building blocks of our success, now and in the future.