--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When you are stopped by an obstacle, find…" description: "\"When you are stopped by an obstacle, find a way, not an excuse.\" — Timothy Tam" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92f/timothy-tam-34980_adversity_when-you-are-stopped-by-an-obstacle-find_234430.jpg" --- # When you are stopped by an obstacle, find a way, not an… ![“When you are stopped by an obstacle, find a way, not an excuse.” quote by Timothy Tam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92f/timothy-tam-34980_adversity_when-you-are-stopped-by-an-obstacle-find_234430.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92f/timothy-tam-34980_adversity_when-you-are-stopped-by-an-obstacle-find_234430.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92f/timothy-tam-34980_adversity_when-you-are-stopped-by-an-obstacle-find_234430.jpg) > “When you are stopped by an obstacle, find a way, not an excuse.” [Timothy Tam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. When blocked, seek solutions rather than excuses, emphasizing proactive problem‑solving. **In simple terms:** Find solutions, not excuses. Key Takeaway Take action despite barriers. Themes resilience problem‑solving mindset Mood determined inspiring Type motivational practical When to use this quote - project management - personal setbacks - team challenges Key Concepts agency creativity determination Questions to Reflect On - What obstacle can you reframe? - How do you stay solution‑focused? A Different Perspective Excuses can be rationalizations for fear. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adversity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adversity/) [Excuses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/excuses/) [Life journey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-journey/) [Never give up](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/never-give-up/) [Obstacle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obstacle/) [Obstacle Way](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obstacle-way-1247582/) [Obstacles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obstacles/) [Overcoming challenges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/overcoming-challenges/) [Stopped](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stopped/) [Stopped Obstacle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stopped-obstacle-2365210/) [Way Excuse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/way-excuse-1701301/) ## Related quotes > [When there an obstacle in your way fear runs the day..](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mrinfromation/when-there-an-obstacle-in-your-way-fear-runs-the-day/) [MrInfromation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mrinfromation/) > [“Everything you do either sets you up for success or puts another obstacle in your way.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-ballantyne/everything-you-do-either-sets-you-up-for-success-or-puts-another/) [Craig Ballantyne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-ballantyne/) > [Just because fate had thrown another obstacle in my way didn't mean I had to give up my dreams.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-picoult/just-because-fate-had-thrown-another-obstacle-in-my-way-didn-t-mean-i/) [Jodi Picoult](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-picoult/) > [“See things for what they are. Do what we can. Endure and bear what we must. What blocked the path now is a path.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ryan-holiday/see-things-for-what-they-are-do-what-we-can-endure-and-bear-what-we/) [Ryan Holiday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ryan-holiday/) > [“When you have a goal, obstacles are actually teaching you how to get where you want to go—carving you a path.” Excerpt From: Ryan…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ryan-holiday/when-you-have-a-goal-obstacles-are-actually-teaching-you-how-to-get/) [Ryan Holiday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ryan-holiday/) > [There is only one obstacle in the way of achieving your dreams...YOU! Get out of your own way! Dream BIG and dare to fail!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/there-is-only-one-obstacle-in-the-way-of-achieving-your-dreams-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If it is important enough to you, you will find a way. If it is not, you will find an excuse.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-it-is-important-enough-to-you-you-will-find-a-way-if-it-is-not-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Make a way...not an excuse.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sensei-darian-stokes/make-a-way-not-an-excuse/) [Sensei Darian Stokes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sensei-darian-stokes/) > [Find a way, not an excuse.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/find-a-way-not-an-excuse/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“You will either find a way, or an excuse. It depends on how badly you want it in life.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/manoj-arora/you-will-either-find-a-way-or-an-excuse-it-depends-on-how-badly-you/) [Manoj Arora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/manoj-arora/) > [“The person who really wants to do something finds a way; the others find an excuse.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-mason/the-person-who-really-wants-to-do-something-finds-a-way-the-others/) [John Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mason/) > [“when something is important, you find a way and when it’s not, you find an excuse.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kim-martin/when-something-is-important-you-find-a-way-and-when-it-s-not-you-find/) [Kim Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kim-martin/) > [“If it is important, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andre-bramble/if-it-is-important-you-will-find-a-way-if-not-you-will-find-an-excuse/) [Andre Bramble](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andre-bramble/) > [Never let any obstacle or problem stop you from moving forward, there is always a way out to get past any challenge or anything…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anurag-prakash-ray/never-let-any-obstacle-or-problem-stop-you-from-moving-forward-there/) [Anurag Prakash Ray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anurag-prakash-ray/) > [Perseverance is doing something in spite of difficulty and obstacle. One with perseverance is persistent in adhering course of action by all means.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anil-sinha/perseverance-is-doing-something-in-spite-of-difficulty-and-obstacle/) [Anil Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anil-sinha/) ## More by Timothy Tam > [Live our dreams, not our fears.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/live-our-dreams-not-our-fears/) [Timothy Tam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/) > [What goes around, comes around. Think positive, be positive, do positive and wonderful things are bound to happen!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/what-goes-around-comes-around-think-positive-be-positive-do-positive/) [Timothy Tam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/) > [Go all out and do your best. You will have no regrets.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/go-all-out-and-do-your-best-you-will-have-no-regrets/) [Timothy Tam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/) > [You can either run from your fear, or stand firm and face it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/you-can-either-run-from-your-fear-or-stand-firm-and-face-it/) [Timothy Tam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/) > [Failing is not permanent, giving up is.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/failing-is-not-permanent-giving-up-is/) [Timothy Tam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/) > [If you want something, FIGHT FOR IT! Stop giving excuses!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/if-you-want-something-fight-for-it-stop-giving-excuses/) [Timothy Tam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/) > [Have you identified your goals for 2014?!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/have-you-identified-your-goals-for-2014/) [Timothy Tam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/) > [The 3 C's we all have in life. Choices, Chances and Changes! Take the C's NOW!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/the-3-c-s-we-all-have-in-life-choices-chances-and-changes-take-the-c/) [Timothy Tam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/) > [Like a jar, our heart has only very limited spaces. Fill it up with courage, not fear.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/like-a-jar-our-heart-has-only-very-limited-spaces-fill-it-up-with/) [Timothy Tam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/) > [We dream with our eyes closed, and make them into reality with our eyes open.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/we-dream-with-our-eyes-closed-and-make-them-into-reality-with-our/) [Timothy Tam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/) > [Being Fearless isn't about not being afraid. It is about being totally terrified but still stand up against your fear.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/being-fearless-isn-t-about-not-being-afraid-it-is-about-being-totally/) [Timothy Tam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/) > [Be Positive, Do Positive, Stay Positive.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/be-positive-do-positive-stay-positive/) [Timothy Tam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/) [Explore all 13 Timothy Tam quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/) ## 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": "When you are stopped by an obstacle, find a way, not an excuse.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Timothy Tam" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/when-you-are-stopped-by-an-obstacle-find-a-way-not-an-excuse/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Adversity" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/when-you-are-stopped-by-an-obstacle-find-a-way-not-an-excuse/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92f/timothy-tam-34980_adversity_when-you-are-stopped-by-an-obstacle-find_234430.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92f/timothy-tam-34980_adversity_when-you-are-stopped-by-an-obstacle-find_234430.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92f/timothy-tam-34980_adversity_when-you-are-stopped-by-an-obstacle-find_234430.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“When you are stopped by an obstacle, find a way, not an excuse.” — Timothy Tam", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Timothy Tam", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-tam/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "When you are stopped by an...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/when-you-are-stopped-by-an-obstacle-find-a-way-not-an-excuse/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-tam/when-you-are-stopped-by-an-obstacle-find-a-way-not-an-excuse/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```