My goal on steemit is to encourage people to engage in creative, fulfilling projects. I have been a game designer for over a dozen years and running my own game company for half of that time. Getting started is the hardest and scariest part by far. My last article talked about how to get started, so read that first if you haven't had a chance.

Starting is not the whole battle, however. Anything worth doing is going to face significant obstacles along the way. Here are 3 powerful ways to push past those barriers and keep moving toward your goals.

1. Fail better next time

Every obstacle and challenge is an opportunity to improve. Reframe failure as opportunity. If your initial idea didn’t work, was there something else about your initial prototype that was unexpectedly fun? Try designing your next prototype around that. If you are blocked by some practical limitation, is there some way to get around it? If you want to prototype a digital game, is it possible to mod an existing game or make a physical prototype first? Design is an iterative learning experience, so don’t get discouraged from opportunities to learn. We’ve all been there.

2. Write down your goals and keep them visible

During the iteration process, things get frustrating. It can be easy to lose your way as you try and overcome unforeseen obstacles. Set concrete goals and keep them in front of you to remind you what you are working towards. If you want a prototype playable for your friends in 60 days, keep a sign with the deadline on your desk or taped to your bathroom mirror. Break the goal down into mini-goals that you can accomplish each week or each day. If you find yourself stuck, break the tasks into ever smaller chunks until you find something you can start making progress on. Once you get moving, momentum can help you get past additional roadblocks.

3. Ask for help

Successful people are not afraid to ask for help when they need it. Find people who have done the things you want to do and ask them for help. Most people in the gaming industry are very friendly and all too happy to help someone who is making progress and asks good questions. There are great resources on the web to ask questions about almost anything. If that doesn’t work, reaching out to friends or potential mentors in the industry is a great approach.

When approaching a potential mentor, make it clear that you’ve done your homework. Don’t ask a question that a quick google search could solve. Try to be as specific as possible and of course be respectful.

Resources like this community are invaluable to keep your momentum and find support. Keep making progress everyday and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish!