Obstacles 1
Someone is asked to write a report on how bats communicate. They don't know anything about bats.
What's the obstacle?
missing information
A teen is assigned to give a presentation in class but keeps thinking, “I’m going to mess up,” and “Everyone will laugh at me.” These negative thoughts make them so anxious that they avoid practicing or even starting their slides, convinced they’re not good enough to do it well.
What's the obstacle?
Negative self talk
Someone decide they want to "be more independent," but they haven’t figured out what that actually means. Without a clear plan or specific goals, they feel stuck—unsure whether to look for jobs, learn to cook, or move out
What's the problem and potential strategy?
too vague, identify a more specific and realistic goal
Someone has to organize their binder by sorting through old handouts and notes—a task they find dull and tedious.
What's the problem and potential solution?
Understimulation, pair with positive stimuli (e.g listen to music), plan to do something fun after
A group of people are told to "design an app that solves a real-world problem" for their tech class, but they've never learned to code. They sit in confusion, overwhelmed by the expectation and unsure how to start.
What's the obstacle?
too advanced
Someone gets on a crowded bus during rush hour, with loud conversations, the screech of brakes, and flashing lights everywhere. They decide to get off and don't make it to their destination.
What's the obstacle?
Overstimulation
Someone needs to do the dishes, but the feeling of the cold, slimy water and rough sponge makes their skin crawl. The uncomfortable texture overwhelms their senses, so they keep avoiding the chore despite knowing it needs to be done.
What's the problem and potential solution?
overstimulation, wear gloves to wash the dishes, delegate the task (if possible)
Someone wants to start cooking for themselves but feels overwhelmed because they don’t know any recipes and worry they’ll mess up. Every time they think about making a meal, they freeze, unsure where to begin or what tools they need.
What's the obstacle and potential solution?
get more information e.g (watch cooking videos, read recipes, thinks of what foods you like or what you might be interested in making)
Start with an easier task (e.g gather tools and ingredients)
Allow room for mistakes (remind self there's always mistakes when first trying something new)
A teen is given a group project to present by the end of the week, just a day after returning to school from a family emergency. Still emotionally drained and struggling to focus, they can’t bring themselves to begin the work.
What's the obstacle?
Time to recover
Two people are asked to "make something creative for the school showcase." They stare at each other, unsure what to do—no theme, no medium, no guidelines. After hours of brainstorming and second-guessing, they give up, frustrated by not knowing where to even begin.
What's the obstacle?
too vague
Someone knows they need to finish their homework, but after a long day at school and skipping lunch, they feel exhausted and hungry. Their energy is so low that they can’t focus or even bring themselves to open their notebook.
What's the obstacle and potential solution?
needing to recover, take a break, get some rest and something to eat
Someone is nervous about starting a difficult math assignment and thinks, “I’m terrible at this; I’ll never get it right.”
What's the obstacle and potential solution?
They take a deep breath and remind themselves, “I’ve solved problems like this before. I can take it one step at a time and ask for help if I need it.” Talking themselves through the task helps them calm down and begin working with more confidence.
A person knows they need to email their teacher to ask for an extension on an assignment, but the thought of writing the message and possibly being judged makes them anxious.
What's the obstacle?
Aversion
A person knows they need to call and schedule their own doctor’s appointment, but the thought of talking on the phone with a stranger makes their stomach turn.
What's the problem and potential solution?
aversion, delegate the task (ask for help), explore alternative ways of making the appointment (e.g email or online booking)
Someone turns 18 and really wants to vote in the upcoming election but feels lost because they don’t know how to register or where to go. They keep putting it off, overwhelmed by the confusing information online and unsure who to ask for help.
What's the obstacle and potential solution?
Not enough information, ask someone who you know voted before for help, look up the information, call your local elections office
Someone is assigned to copy vocabulary words and their definitions from their textbook. The repetitive task feels mindless and boring, and their attention drifts after just a few minutes. Even though it’s easy, they can’t bring themselves to finish it
What's the obstacle?
Understimulating
Someone is supposed to clean their entire room, but it's piled high with clothes, papers, and clutter everywhere. The mess feels chaotic and overwhelming, with too many decisions to make at once. Just walking in makes their heart race, and they shut the door, unable to even start.
What's the obstacle and potential solution?
overstimulation, break down task into a more manageable starting point (e.g putting away clothes), ask for help, make a checklist, minimize stimulation or introduce positive stimuli
Someone wants to buy a new laptop but feels overwhelmed because they don’t have enough money saved yet. They keep thinking, “I’ll never be able to afford it,” and don’t know where to start budgeting or finding ways to earn extra cash, so they put off making a plan altogether.
What's the obstacle and potential solutions?
Negative self talk, missing information/too advanced
brainstorm ideas, think of a realistic first step (e.g find out how much you need to save), talk to a financial planner, visit an employment agency to find out ways you might be able to make some money (or another trusted person about other ways to make money)