It's not just overcoming the obstacles on the way to your goals that define you. Sometimes it's the unforeseen challenges that blind-side you as everything seems to be going well that can stop you in your tracks.

We accept and prepare for the obstacles we anticipate; the job interview, the long journey to an exotic holiday or the hard work and hours of practice that leads to personal achievement. However when something we didn’t see hits us, it can seem different and appear more challenging.

Expected hurdles are often leaped over while unexpected obstacles are tumbled over. True we may have planned and be feel able to deal with what we already foresaw, however sometimes the only difference is that our mental and emotional resolve is shaken more when the unexpected hits us.

Some people may see obstacles as bad luck, some as threats. Others may even see obstacles as a sign they cannot move forward or succeed. Some people see such obstacles as a puzzle to solve. Some see obstacles as an opportunity to grow. Depending on how we view all obstacles will determine how we react when the unexpected hits, and ultimately how we move forwards.

If you see obstacles as bad luck, the world being against you or as meaning you failed, then you are likely to be overwhelmed and stumble. You cannot control your luck but you can control how you react to it. If you see all obstacles as an opportunity to review, strengthen and continue then you will find a way – however small – to move forwards.

Character and resilience is not just about overcoming obstacles visible in the light of day, it's sometimes about dealing with the unknowns that spring out from the shadows!