--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is not the overcoming of obstacles in…" description: "\"It is not the overcoming of obstacles in our life time that defines us. Instead we are defined by the obstacles we challenge to overcome.\" — Anonymous" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db6/anonymous-1_adversity_it-is-not-the-overcoming-of-obstacles-in_1926855.jpg" --- # It is not the overcoming of obstacles in our life time… ![“It is not the overcoming of obstacles in our life time that defines us. Instead we are defined by the obstacles we challenge to overcome.” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db6/anonymous-1_adversity_it-is-not-the-overcoming-of-obstacles-in_1926855.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db6/anonymous-1_adversity_it-is-not-the-overcoming-of-obstacles-in_1926855.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db6/anonymous-1_adversity_it-is-not-the-overcoming-of-obstacles-in_1926855.jpg) > “It is not the overcoming of obstacles in our life time that defines us. Instead we are defined by the obstacles we challenge to overcome.” [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Our identity is shaped by the challenges we actively confront, not merely by obstacles we face. **In simple terms:** We are defined by what we tackle. Key Takeaway Embrace challenges. Themes personal growth resilience identity Mood thoughtful inspirational Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - career setbacks - personal loss - health crisis Key Concepts psychology agency challenge response Questions to Reflect On - Which obstacles have you chosen to face? - How does confronting difficulty change self‑view? A Different Perspective Overcoming obstacles alone doesn't guarantee growth. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adversity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adversity/) [Challenge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/challenge/) [Challenge Overcome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/challenge-overcome-1315324/) [Defined Obstacles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defined-obstacles-2991516/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Life Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-time/) [Obstacles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obstacles/) [Obstacles Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obstacles-life/) [Overcoming](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/overcoming/) [Overcoming challenges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/overcoming-challenges/) [Overcoming obstacles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/overcoming-obstacles/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [“Well, if it can be thought, it can be done, a problem can be overcome,”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/well-if-it-can-be-thought-it-can-be-done-a-problem-can-be-overcome/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [God places obstacles in your life for a reason, do not give in to the temptation to lay down before them, adapt, overcome and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brandon-wohlford/god-places-obstacles-in-your-life-for-a-reason-do-not-give-in-to-the/) [Brandon Wohlford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-wohlford/) > [Never let the negative obstacles of life break your spirit what's a rock in a hard place when mountains are moving it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/never-let-the-negative-obstacles-of-life-break-your-spirit-what-s-a/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [With a successful graduation, comes bigger challenges and obstacles in life. Tackle them out for your glory with the same zeal and vigor. Well…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/with-a-successful-graduation-comes-bigger-challenges-and-obstacles-in/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Another year of success and happiness has passed. With every new year, comes greater challenges and obstacles in life. I wish you courage, hope…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/another-year-of-success-and-happiness-has-passed-with-every-new-year/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Life always gives us another change: It's called "To Move On".”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ana-claudia-antunes/life-always-gives-us-another-change-it-s-called-to-move-on/) [Ana Claudia Antunes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ana-claudia-antunes/) > [“If it is going to kill you,” Enso Roshi says, “then let it kill you.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/t-scott-mcleod/if-it-is-going-to-kill-you-enso-roshi-says-then-let-it-kill-you/) [T. Scott McLeod](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/t-scott-mcleod/) > [“Never be afraid to offer a smile; sure the risk is that a few foolish people may misinterpret your kindness as weakness, but the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnnie-dent-jr/never-be-afraid-to-offer-a-smile-sure-the-risk-is-that-a-few-foolish-3/) [Johnnie Dent Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnnie-dent-jr/) > [“You really don't have to subscribe to the life that had been written for you.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/allan-hennessy/you-really-don-t-have-to-subscribe-to-the-life-that-had-been-written/) [Allan Hennessy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/allan-hennessy/) > [“Never be afraid to offer a smile; sure the risk is that a few foolish people may misinterpret your kindness as weakness, but the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnnie-dent-jr/never-be-afraid-to-offer-a-smile-sure-the-risk-is-that-a-few-foolish/) [Johnnie Dent Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnnie-dent-jr/) > [“Replace the word can’t with can. Know that you can, believe that you can, and know with ALL of your heart that you will.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-lahart/replace-the-word-can-t-with-can-know-that-you-can-believe-that-you/) [Stephanie Lahart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-lahart/) > [“Don’t let the situation say stop to your true purpose;say stop to the situation. Situations are situations and you are you”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernest-agyemang-yeboah/don-t-let-the-situation-say-stop-to-your-true-purpose-say-stop-to-the/) [Ernest Agyemang Yeboah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernest-agyemang-yeboah/) > [“Forgive your past because it the vehicle through your process and from this point forward your life is made of 100% future; Caterpillars always…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnnie-dent-jr/forgive-your-past-because-it-the-vehicle-through-your-process-and/) [Johnnie Dent Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnnie-dent-jr/) > [“The tests we face in life's journey are not to reveal our weaknesses but to help us discover our inner strengths. We can only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kemi-sogunle/the-tests-we-face-in-life-s-journey-are-not-to-reveal-our-weaknesses/) [Kemi Sogunle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kemi-sogunle/) > [“Adversity only makes us stronger. Every adversity we overcome makes our spirit and soul grow stronger.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/adversity-only-makes-us-stronger-every-adversity-we-overcome-makes/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) ## More by Anonymous > [And a tear rolled down her cheek, as she said goodbye; because she's walking away, and she's never looking back](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/and-a-tear-rolled-down-her-cheek-as-she-said-goodbye-because-she-s/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-ll-seldom-experience-regret-for-anything-that-you-ve-done-it-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Scrabble - The game is available in Braille. That’s a nice fact. This makes me feel better about humanity for some reason. I can’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/scrabble-the-game-is-available-in-braille-that-s-a-nice-fact-this/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Everyone needs someone to love, and I choose you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/everyone-needs-someone-to-love-and-i-choose-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“THIS tale of my sore-troubled life I write,    To thank the God of nature, who conveyed    My soul to me, and with such care…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/this-tale-of-my-sore-troubled-life-i-write-to-thank-the-god-of-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Put on my J's and dance the whole night away Im naughty by nature like Im hip-hop hooray With my hands in the sky,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/put-on-my-j-s-and-dance-the-whole-night-away-im-naughty-by-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Me.. I have been through a lot, but I still manage to have a smile on my face. Im not worried about the past…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/me-i-have-been-through-a-lot-but-i-still-manage-to-have-a-smile-on-my/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Distance is a test of love. many will fail for those who can't withstand it, but for those who can, theres only one answer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/distance-is-a-test-of-love-many-will-fail-for-those-who-can-t/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Im sorry I ever tried...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-sorry-i-ever-tried/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Being betrayed by the one you love is the worst feeling in the world...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/being-betrayed-by-the-one-you-love-is-the-worst-feeling-in-the-world/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Let children support their parents or be imprisoned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-children-support-their-parents-or-be-imprisoned/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The only person I've ever purposely caused pain here is myself...By simply sharing, caring too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-only-person-i-ve-ever-purposely-caused-pain-here-is-myself-by/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Start a business, not a startup”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/start-a-business-not-a-startup/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-truth-is-of-course-that-the-curtness-of-the-ten-commandments-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Explore all 162,899 Anonymous quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More Adversity quotes > [We love playing together and we love adversity. You know, back-to-back, the two best teams in the East.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-nash/we-love-playing-together-and-we-love-adversity-you-know-back-to-back/) [Steve Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-nash/) > [When we have public success we also have private struggles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deion-sanders/when-we-have-public-success-we-also-have-private-struggles/) [Deion Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deion-sanders/) > [“The threats that resurfaced in the past 10 years were not an aberration. Al Qaeda and terrorism or one such threat, but it was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-friedman/the-threats-that-resurfaced-in-the-past-10-years-were-not-an/) [George Friedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-friedman/) > [He who is content with what has been done is an obstacle in the path of progress.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-keller/he-who-is-content-with-what-has-been-done-is-an-obstacle-in-the-path/) [Helen Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-keller/) > [“Friction is necessary. Ease of life leads to complacency and the atrophy of the human will and spirit. Within our struggles lives our strength,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-versey/friction-is-necessary-ease-of-life-leads-to-complacency-and-the/) [Jason Versey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jason-versey/) > [“Every adversity is just another opportunity to excel a little more.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michel-templet/every-adversity-is-just-another-opportunity-to-excel-a-little-more/) [Michel Templet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michel-templet/) > [“Just because she doesn't talk about it, doesn't mean she isn't feeling it. She hurts, but she won't wear it on her sleeve. She…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfa-h/just-because-she-doesn-t-talk-about-it-doesn-t-mean-she-isn-t-feeling/) [Alfa H](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfa-h/) > [Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-buckham-kennedy/every-trial-endured-and-weathered-in-the-right-spirit-makes-a-soul/) [James Buckham Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-buckham-kennedy/) > [Honesty, by evil fortune tried, Finds in adversity the seed of praise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ovid/honesty-by-evil-fortune-tried-finds-in-adversity-the-seed-of-praise/) [Ovid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ovid/) > [“Struggles are not associated to a particular people or creed, everyone struggles, not for the same reasons, but each has a personal struggle at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wayne-chirisa/struggles-are-not-associated-to-a-particular-people-or-creed-everyone/) [Wayne Chirisa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wayne-chirisa/) > [“Watch a man in times of adversity to discover what kind of man he is; for then at last words of truth are drawn…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucretius/watch-a-man-in-times-of-adversity-to-discover-what-kind-of-man-he-is/) [Lucretius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucretius/) > [God often hides His blessing in trouble or trial, which makes it all the sweeter when it comes our way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aiden-wilson-tozer/god-often-hides-his-blessing-in-trouble-or-trial-which-makes-it-all/) [Aiden Wilson Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aiden-wilson-tozer/) > [“Life is not about less mistakes but about more trials”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-e-sever/life-is-not-about-less-mistakes-but-about-more-trials/) [S.E. SEVER](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-e-sever/) > [Show your contempt for the problem and your concern for the person.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/show-your-contempt-for-the-problem-and-your-concern-for-the-person/) [Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/) > [When everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/when-everything-feels-like-an-uphill-struggle-just-think-of-the-view/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Browse all 5,001 Adversity quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adversity/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "It is not the overcoming of obstacles in our life time that defines us. 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