Every meaningful journey begins with a dream — a picture of what could be. But between that dream and its realization lies a road filled with trials, uncertainty, and growth. Leadership through challenges is not about avoiding problems or pretending life will go smoothly. It’s about learning how to turn setbacks into stepping stones that refine who we are.

Think about the last time you set a big goal for yourself. Maybe you wanted to write a book, start a business, or learn a new skill. You began with energy and excitement — maybe even inspiration from a great book or video. You cleared your schedule, sat at your desk, and felt unstoppable.

But then reality hit. The next day brought distractions, responsibilities, and fatigue. Your schedule filled up, and your motivation faded. A week later, that project still sat untouched. A month later, it felt like a forgotten dream. Eventually, you might look back and wonder: What happened? Where did all that enthusiasm go?

These moments happen to everyone. Without a strategy to overcome them, our dreams slowly fade behind the noise of daily life. We begin to fear the unknown, avoid taking risks, and procrastinate because of anxiety or perfectionism. Yet these are not signs of failure — they’re natural parts of growth. In fact, the way we respond to these moments defines our potential as leaders.

The truth is that leadership is not about titles or authority. It’s about character. And character is built through challenges, not around them. Every obstacle becomes a test of patience, discipline, and faith. Every delay forces us to decide whether we truly believe in our purpose. When we choose to persevere, we strengthen our leadership muscle.

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities: The Power of Leadership Through Challenges

Beverly Flaxington, Co-Founder and President of The Collaborative for Business Development, Inc., offers a practical way to turn setbacks into progress. In her Forbes article, she introduces the S.H.I.F.T. method — a five-step approach to overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.

According to Flaxington, this approach can transform not only personal goals but also the way we lead teams. Here’s how it works:

• S — State your desired outcome. Be clear about what you want to achieve.
  
• H — Highlight the obstacles and categorize them. What stands in your way?
  
• I — Identify the human factor. Who’s involved, and what emotions or dynamics might affect the situation?
  
• F — Find your alternatives. What other paths could lead to success?
  
• T — Take disciplined action. Create momentum with consistent effort.
  

Flaxington concludes, “Teach your staff and your teams how to SHIFT and walk through the process when someone brings you a problem, and your entire firm will improve their leadership skills as a result.”

This approach captures the essence of leadership through challenges — the understanding that problems are not walls but doors waiting to be opened through reflection and action.

The method also reinforces a crucial truth: when we face obstacles with intention and awareness, we become more effective leaders. Every struggle teaches us something about focus, communication, and endurance. Rather than running from difficulties, we can use them to shape habits that lead to long-term success.

Building Resilience: The WOOP Method in Action

Another powerful framework that aligns with leadership through challenges is the WOOP method, developed by psychologist Gabriele Oettingen. Her research, which you can explore through WOOP My Life, shows that people who combine positive thinking with realistic planning achieve more consistent results.

WOOP stands for:

• Wish. Define what you want to accomplish, as clearly and specifically as possible.
  
• Outcome. Visualize the best result you hope to achieve.
  
• Obstacle. Identify the key barriers that might stop you.
  
• Plan. Decide how you will act when those obstacles arise.
  

This approach might sound simple, but it’s transformative when practiced consistently. For example, imagine your wish is to read 100 books in a year. The outcome is a stronger mind and broader perspective. But as soon as you get started, obstacles appear: lack of time, fatigue, or waning motivation.

Instead of giving up, you can make a plan for each obstacle. For lack of time, schedule 30 minutes every morning to read. For tiredness, switch to audiobooks on your commute. For motivation, join a reading community. Suddenly, the impossible becomes manageable.

That’s the beauty of leadership through challenges — not the absence of difficulty, but the mastery of it through intentional choices. The more we practice facing obstacles head-on, the stronger our ability to lead others through their own struggles becomes.

Mentors Who Lead by Example: Drew and Melinda Christensen

At Cumorah Academy, students recently learned firsthand how growth emerges from struggle. Mentors Drew and Melinda Christensen shared stories of their own experiences, reminding everyone that leadership through challenges is not abstract theory — it’s something lived daily, with humility and faith.

“This week, the Leadership class with the mentors was, without a doubt, the most impactful part of the course so far,” shared Alanis Romero, from Peru. “What I appreciate most is that, instead of just theory, the mentors show us their most human side and challenge us toward deep introspection. This led to the best moment of the week, when we discussed how our ‘why’ must be born directly from the heart. It’s a fundamental lesson that humanizes the concept of what it truly means to guide others.”

For Mariana Dutra, from Brazil, the experience was equally inspiring. “Learning with the mentors is actually my favorite part of Cumorah,” she said. “Classes with them are always fun and meaningful. I was especially inspired by Drew and Melinda’s story of perseverance. I learned that making hard decisions is necessary — and that we can always find joy where we are now.”

Their reflections capture what every leader eventually learns: that success without struggle is empty, but success through struggle builds wisdom, faith, and empathy.

Faith: The Core of Resilient Leadership

Faith is what holds leaders steady when plans fall apart. It’s the quiet assurance that there’s purpose in every obstacle and light at the end of every difficulty. Whether that faith is rooted in God, in your vision, or in the potential of your team, it’s what keeps you going when logic says to quit.

Challenges will always come. But leaders who view them as lessons — not punishments — are the ones who grow stronger and more compassionate. They learn to see beyond the immediate struggle and recognize how today’s difficulties prepare them for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Leadership through challenges ultimately transforms you from someone who reacts to problems into someone who anticipates and grows through them. You begin to trust the process, even when you can’t see the outcome. You lead with patience instead of pressure, faith instead of fear.

Grow Through the Challenges That Shape You

At Cumorah Academy, we believe that every challenge is a classroom, and every setback a lesson in leadership. Our mentors and students learn together how to face uncertainty with courage, develop faith in the process, and build a foundation of purpose that lasts far beyond the classroom.

If you’re ready to strengthen your leadership through challenges, to grow your faith, and to find purpose in every obstacle — this is your invitation.

Join Cumorah Academy and discover how faith, perseverance, and leadership can change your life and the lives of those you serve.

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Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.

Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer