--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If you focus on the obstacles, then you…" description: "\"If you focus on the obstacles, then you give them more power. Instead focus on your purpose, on your most authentic and fundamental intentions.\" — Ralp..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10b/ralph-marston-2044_achievement_if-you-focus-on-the-obstacles-then-you-g_1882562.png" --- # If you focus on the obstacles, then you give them more… ![“If you focus on the obstacles, then you give them more power. Instead focus on your purpose, on your most authentic and fundamental intentions.” quote by Ralph Marston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10b/ralph-marston-2044_achievement_if-you-focus-on-the-obstacles-then-you-g_1882562.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10b/ralph-marston-2044_achievement_if-you-focus-on-the-obstacles-then-you-g_1882562.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10b/ralph-marston-2044_achievement_if-you-focus-on-the-obstacles-then-you-g_1882562.png) > “If you focus on the obstacles, then you give them more power. Instead focus on your purpose, on your most authentic and fundamental intentions.” [Ralph Marston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-marston/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Focusing on obstacles amplifies their influence; shifting attention to purpose reduces their grip and aligns actions with core values. **In simple terms:** Obsacles grow when emphasized; purpose weakens them. Key Takeaway Prioritize purpose over problems. Themes focus purpose mindset Mood determined reflective Type motivational philosophical When to use this quote - goal setting - personal development - leadership - conflict resolution Key Concepts psychology self‑efficacy Questions to Reflect On - What purpose can you anchor to when faced with a challenge? - How does redefining obstacles change your response? A Different Perspective Purpose alone may not eliminate obstacles; external factors still matter. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Achievement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/achievement/) [Adversity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adversity/) [Determination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/determination/) [Focus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/focus/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Intention](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intention/) [Obstacles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obstacles/) [Perseverance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perseverance/) [Purpose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/purpose/) [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) ## Related quotes > [If you focus on the obstacles, then you give them more power.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-marston/if-you-focus-on-the-obstacles-then-you-give-them-more-power/) [Ralph Marston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-marston/) > [Focus on the purpose not the pain. God has a purpose for the trial you are in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/focus-on-the-purpose-not-the-pain-god-has-a-purpose-for-the-trial-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Do not focus only on your needs; focus on your purpose.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deborah-brodie/do-not-focus-only-on-your-needs-focus-on-your-purpose/) [Deborah Brodie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deborah-brodie/) > [When you change your focus to your purpose, you stop worrying about how much money you're going to make and your job title because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/soledad-o-brien/when-you-change-your-focus-to-your-purpose-you-stop-worrying-about/) [Soledad O'Brien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/soledad-o-brien/) > [Don't focus on the problem, focus on the PURPOSE.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bo-sanchez/don-t-focus-on-the-problem-focus-on-the-purpose/) [Bo Sanchez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bo-sanchez/) > [“Don’t let the things of the world distract you. Focus on your purpose”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sunday-adelaja/don-t-let-the-things-of-the-world-distract-you-focus-on-your-purpose/) [Sunday Adelaja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sunday-adelaja/) > [The secret of success is focus of purpose.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-a-edison/the-secret-of-success-is-focus-of-purpose/) [Thomas A. Edison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-edison/) > [ “Stay on Course Let your eyes look right on \[with fixed purpose\], and let your gaze be straight before you. Consider well the path… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joyce-meyer/stay-on-course-let-your-eyes-look-right-on-with-fixed-purpose-and-let/) [Joyce Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joyce-meyer/) > [People see only my actions. 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When you get a little bit ahead, it's all too easy to become complacent…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-marston/one-of-the-biggest-threats-to-success-is-success-itself-when-you-get/) [Ralph Marston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-marston/) [Explore all 190 Ralph Marston quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-marston/) ## More Achievement quotes > [You, of Canada, are building a magnificent record of achievement. My country rejoices in it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dwight-d-eisenhower/you-of-canada-are-building-a-magnificent-record-of-achievement-my/) [Dwight D. 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