Obstacles are things a person sees when he takes his eyes off his goal.

In this quote, E. Joseph Cossman highlights the relationship between focus and obstacles. He suggests that obstacles only become significant when a person allows themselves to be distracted from their goal. When you are fully focused on your objective, challenges may still exist, but they do not become roadblocks. It’s only when you take your eyes off your goal that obstacles seem overwhelming or insurmountable. Cossman’s message encourages individuals to maintain their attention on what they want to achieve rather than getting discouraged by the difficulties along the way.

The quote speaks to the power of focus and determination in overcoming challenges. When we keep our attention fixed on our desired outcome, we can navigate around or through the obstacles that arise, often without even realizing their full impact. In essence, Cossman is saying that obstacles are less about the difficulties themselves and more about how we perceive and respond to them when we lose sight of what truly matters.

This perspective on obstacles is common in the entrepreneurial and self-help world, where focus, resilience, and persistence are key to success. Cossman, an entrepreneur and businessman, understood that achieving success requires more than just recognizing challenges—it requires perseverance and a mindset that keeps one's eyes on the prize, no matter what distractions or obstacles emerge along the journey.

Ultimately, Cossman’s quote is a reminder that obstacles are a natural part of life, but they should not be allowed to dominate our focus or determination. By keeping your eyes on your goal, you can move past these barriers with purpose and resolve, ensuring that they do not derail your progress.