If you wanted to you could find hundreds of obstacles for every successful path. Obstacles are easy to spot. When we feel afraid or are on the defensive we look for obstacles and challenges that will prevent us from reaching a destination. The more you look for these obstacles the more you will find.

Do you want to start a new business? What about finding capital? What about your family obligations? What about the risk? What about the recession, that major obstacle that has the world gripped in fear?

What might help is to visualize all of your obstacles in life, the things that prevent you from achieving something great, as large boulders that have fallen all over the “yellow brick road.” What do you do when you find obstacles blocking your path?

The majority of people panic and run back in the other direction. Lately, we see a lot of pundits, politicians and experts standing in place, stalling, over the great boulder that is the recession. Rather than go forward or backward they simply wait; they are waiting for the recession to destroy everything, or for other people to fix it.

What are you doing about it? Are you panicking over these obstacles or are you using your wits to find alternative routes so you can get to your destination? For every obstacle we find, there is an opportunity near by. For every boulder on the road there is an area you can squeeze through, or perhaps a patch of mud you can cross to get back on track.

Even in this troubled economy, there are ways to make money and find prosperity. You have to adapt to the market. Rather than sit on your hands and lament the changing of the times, you can choose to be aggressive in your marketing campaign. The market still exists and you can find it. Pay attention to the companies and the industries that are profiting. What are the marketing techniques that communicate with today’s frugal audience? What are the products, indeed, the subjects and themes that sell?

There is plenty of opportunity in this economy if you are offering something better than your competition. Wherever your competition is lacking this is your window of opportunity. You must have faith in your own abilities and keep a positive attitude to survive this testing time. You can survive this recession and come out better having learned important financial discipline!

Albert Mensah is a Certified Speaking Professional. Originally from the impoverished African nation of Ghana, Albert travels the country speaking, motivating and inspiring. He has performed as a keynote speaker for companies including Allstate Insurance, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Boeing, John Deere Corporation, Wells Fargo and more. Visit www.AlbertMensah.com to learn more.